Verified for the 2025 AP English Literature exam•5 min read•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
In this guide, we’ll cover how to analyze characters based on what a text tells us about them.
Information from the AP English Literature Course and Exam Description.
When you meet a character, they’ll generally be introduced with a description.
The description may be short, as in the Brother’s Grimm’s description of Cinderella:
“A rich man's wife became sick, and when she felt that her end was drawing near, she called her only daughter to her bedside and said, "Dear child, remain pious and good, and then our dear God will always protect you, and I will look down on you from heaven and be near you." With this she closed her eyes and died. The girl went out to her mother's grave every day and wept, and she remained pious and good.” (Source)
Or it may be very long, as in certain Victorian works. This is the opening description of Lucie Manette, a main character from A Tale of Two Cities:
“...he saw standing to receive him by the table between them and the fire, a young lady of not more than seventeen, in a riding-cloak, and still holding her straw travelling-hat by its ribbon in her hand. As his eyes rested on a short, slight, pretty figure, a quantity of golden hair, a pair of blue eyes that met his own with an inquiring look, and a forehead with a singular capacity (remembering how young and smooth it was), of rifting and knitting itself into an expression that was not quite one of perplexity, or wonder, or alarm, or merely of a bright fixed attention, though it included all the four expressions…” (Source)
From these descriptions, we have a first impression of our characters.
Character descriptions may include…
Character descriptions may be given by a narrator (as in these two examples) or by a character in the book. Characters can even give descriptions of themselves.
Besides giving us a visual image in our head of who our character is, the description of a character is important for two main reasons.
The first is that the description of a character creates expectations for that character’s behavior. In the above example of Cinderella, we can expect Cinderella to be “pious and good” throughout the story, and that’s what she is.
However, characters can also fail to meet the expectations given to them by a description. Let’s say a character is introduced as “kind and gentle,” but then goes on to be selfish and cruel. How does our interpretation of the character change as a result? Here are some ways it might change…
The second reason why the character description is important is because you can extract inferred character traits from them. A character does not have to be described as “stingy” or “bitter” for us as readers to know that they are.
One of the aspects of a character that tends to go unspoken are their motives. (The exception being in Drama, where characters will sometimes say outright what their motives are.) A motive is what drives a character to act — common motives include love, fear, and envy.
If we are introduced to a character who has all their doors bolted and sleeps with a shotgun at the side of their bed, we do not have to be told that this character is afraid of something — we can see it through their actions (keeping a shotgun at their side) and inactions (not going outside.)
Sometimes you can infer character traits based on a metaphor or simile that another character, the narrator and/or a speaker uses. If a character is described as “hard as stone,” we can expect them to be stubborn and cold.
You can sometimes infer character traits based on a state that a character is in or some innate quality they have. For example, Lucie Manette from the example above is frequently described as “young.” We might expect, then, that she’ll be portrayed as naive or innocent or pure-hearted. Sometimes characters fall into certain archetypes such as “the hero” or “the mentor.” It’s important not to slip into stereotypes with this assumption, but it can be a good way to make predictions about a work.
Other times, it takes knowledge of the context that the author is writing in to understand inferred character traits. For example, characters in older works with blonde hair and blue eyes tend to have kind, sweet personalities.
Finally, let’s talk about character perspectives! A character’s perspective is their point of view. Characters can have perspectives on the world, events in their lives, other characters… the list goes on. It’s important to know what a character’s perspective is because that can inform the decisions they choose to make and the way they move the plot along. For example, a character who thinks humans are fundamentally selfish will respond to a situation differently from one who thinks humans are fundamentally good.
How do we tell what a character’s perspective is?
An archetype refers to recurring symbols, characters, or motifs that are universally recognized and represent a specific idea or theme. They tap into the collective unconsciousness of humanity.
Term 1 of 16
An archetype refers to recurring symbols, characters, or motifs that are universally recognized and represent a specific idea or theme. They tap into the collective unconsciousness of humanity.
Term 1 of 16
Physical details are specific attributes used in character descriptions that provide information about how a character looks.
Appearance: Appearance refers specifically to how someone or something looks on the outside. It includes physical features like facial expressions, body shape, and gestures.
Imagery: Imagery is language that appeals to our senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) and creates vivid mental pictures. In terms of physical details in literature, imagery helps readers visualize characters by using sensory descriptions.
Symbolism: Symbolism is when objects or actions represent deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretation. In terms of physical details in literature, certain characteristics may symbolize aspects of a character's personality or role in the story.
Personality details refer to specific traits and qualities that define how a character behaves, thinks, and feels in a literary work.
Characterization: Characterization is the process by which an author reveals and develops characters in a story. It includes both direct (explicit) and indirect (implied) methods of conveying personality details.
Motivation: Motivation refers to the reasons behind a character's actions or behavior. Understanding a character's motivations helps readers comprehend their choices and decisions throughout the narrative.
Conflict: Conflict arises when opposing forces or interests clash in a story. Personality details often play a significant role in creating conflicts between characters due to differences in values, beliefs, or goals.
Family background refers to the social, cultural, and economic factors that shape an individual's upbringing and experiences within their family. It includes aspects such as family values, traditions, socioeconomic status, and educational opportunities.
Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the customs, beliefs, practices, and artifacts that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular culture or community.
Socioeconomic Status: Socioeconomic status is a measure of an individual's or family's social standing based on factors such as income level, occupation, education level, and wealth.
Upbringing: Upbringing refers to the way in which someone is raised by their parents or caregivers. It encompasses parenting styles, values instilled during childhood, and overall environment in which one grows up.
The narrator is the voice or character that tells a story. They provide information about events, characters' thoughts and feelings, and shape the reader's understanding of the narrative.
Point of View: Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told. It can be first-person (narrator uses "I" pronouns), second-person (narrator addresses "you"), or third-person (narrator uses "he," "she," or "they" pronouns).
Voice: Voice refers to the unique style and tone used by an author or narrator in their writing. It reflects the narrator's personality, attitudes, and beliefs.
Characterization: Characterization is the process by which an author or narrator develops and reveals the personalities of characters in a story. It can be done through direct descriptions or indirect actions and dialogue.
An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose credibility or trustworthiness is questionable due to their limited perspective, bias, mental state, or deliberate deception. They may present distorted or misleading information to the reader.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing refers to hints or clues that suggest future events in a story. An unreliable narrator might use foreshadowing to mislead readers about what will happen next.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to personal opinions, feelings, and biases that influence one's interpretation of events. An unreliable narrator often presents events subjectively rather than objectively.
Narrative Manipulation: Narrative manipulation occurs when an unreliable narrator intentionally distorts facts or alters the sequence of events in order to manipulate the reader's understanding of the story.
Values dissonance refers to the conflict or disconnect between the values and beliefs of different cultures, societies, or individuals. It occurs when there is a clash between what one group considers important and what another group finds acceptable.
Cultural Relativism: The belief that all cultural practices should be understood within their own context, without imposing one's own values or judgments.
Ethnocentrism: The tendency to view one's own culture as superior to others, often leading to a lack of understanding or appreciation for other cultures.
Moral Dilemma: A situation where an individual must make a difficult decision between two conflicting moral principles or values.
Character description refers to the process of providing details about a character's appearance and personality in a literary work.
Physical Details: Physical details are specific attributes used in character descriptions that provide information about how a character looks.
Personality Details: Personality details refer to specific traits and qualities that define how a character behaves, thinks, and feels in a literary work.
Character Development: Character development refers to the changes and growth that occur in a character over the course of a narrative. It involves exploring their motivations, conflicts, and relationships with other characters.
Motive refers to the underlying reason behind a character's actions or behaviors. It provides insight into why characters make certain choices or engage in specific actions, often driving the plot forward and shaping their development.
Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or with society), often influencing motives.
Foil Character: A character who contrasts with another character, highlighting their differences and emphasizing their motives.
Theme: The central idea or message conveyed by a literary work, which can be influenced by the motives of the characters involved.
A figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another, without using the words "like" or "as". It creates a vivid image in the reader's mind.
Simile: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as". For example, "Her smile is as bright as the sun."
Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. For instance, a dove can symbolize peace.
Allegory: A story or poem in which characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. An example would be George Orwell's Animal Farm, where animals represent political figures and concepts.
A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as". It helps create vivid descriptions and adds depth to writing.
Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another, without using the words "like" or "as". For example, "His heart was stone."
Personification: Giving human characteristics to non-human objects or ideas. An example would be saying, "The wind whispered through the trees."
Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements used for emphasis or effect. For instance, saying, "I've told you a million times."
Inferred character traits are qualities or characteristics of a character that are not explicitly stated in the text but can be deduced through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, or interactions with other characters. These traits help readers gain a deeper understanding of the character's personality.
Direct Characterization: The author directly states specific traits about a character.
Indirect Characterization: The author reveals information about a character through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, appearance, etc., allowing readers to draw conclusions about their traits.
Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant internal changes throughout the course of a story.
A first person narrator is a storytelling technique where the story is narrated by one character using "I" pronouns. The narrator directly shares their own experiences and perceptions with readers.
Second Person Narrator: A second person narrator addresses the reader as "you," creating a sense of direct involvement in the story.
Third Person Narrator: A third person narrator is an external voice that tells the story from an outside perspective, using pronouns like "he," "she," or "they."
Inner Monologue: Inner monologue refers to a character's internal thoughts and reflections, often presented in first person narration.