Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Behavior encompasses the actions, reactions, and mannerisms of characters in a literary work. It reveals their personalities, motivations, and relationships with others.
Characterization involves creating believable and complex characters through their appearance, actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others.
Motivation: Motivation refers to what drives a character's behavior or actions in a story. Understanding their motives helps us comprehend why they act in certain ways.
Conflict arises from opposing forces or tensions within a story. Characters' behaviors often stem from these conflicts as they navigate challenges or clash with others.