---
title: "Agency — AP Lit Definition & Character Analysis Guide"
description: "Agency is a character's power to make choices that shape their own fate. Learn how it connects to conflict, dynamic characters, and AP Lit essay analysis."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-lit/key-terms/agency"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP English Literature"
---

# Agency — AP Lit Definition & Character Analysis Guide

## Definition

Agency refers to a character's ability to make choices and take actions that influence their own fate within a story.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.2 Character evolution throughout a narrative](/ap-lit/unit-3/character-evolution-throughout-narrative/study-guide/mG0e86Knto3XGWxPEkHf)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Free Will: Free will is the concept that individuals have the freedom to make choices without being predetermined by external forces.
- Motivation: Motivation refers to what drives or compels a character's actions within a story.
- Consequence: Consequence represents the result or outcome of an action taken by a character, often influenced by their agency.