Character

Definition

In literature, a character is an individual or entity that plays a role in a narrative, driving the plot and influencing the themes. Characters can be complex, exhibiting various traits, motivations, and development throughout a story. The depth and authenticity of characters contribute significantly to reader engagement and emotional impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aristotle emphasized that characters should be consistent in their behaviors and decisions to maintain believability within the narrative.
2. Characters can be categorized as flat (simple) or round (complex), with round characters often showing significant growth or change throughout the story.
3. The relationship between characters can create tension and drive the plot, showcasing themes like conflict, love, or morality.
4. Aristotle argued that a well-crafted character should evoke emotions such as pity or fear from the audience, contributing to the overall cathartic experience of the narrative.
5. Characters often symbolize larger ideas or themes within a work, making them integral to understanding the underlying messages of the story.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle’s view on character contribute to our understanding of storytelling?
  • Aristotle believed that characters should be morally good, relatable, and realistic to enhance the audience's emotional response. He suggested that characters' actions must align with their established traits to maintain coherence in the narrative. This emphasis on character consistency helps readers engage more deeply with the story, as believable characters allow for a more immersive experience.
• Discuss how the role of the protagonist differs from that of the antagonist in shaping a narrative.
  • The protagonist is typically the central character whose journey drives the plot forward, often facing challenges and conflicts that foster growth. In contrast, the antagonist opposes the protagonist's goals, creating tension and conflict essential for narrative progression. The dynamic between these two types of characters helps to explore deeper themes, illustrating struggles such as good versus evil or societal issues.
• Evaluate how characterization techniques influence readers' perceptions of characters in a literary work.
  • Characterization techniques, such as direct and indirect methods, shape how readers perceive characters by providing insight into their motivations, background, and development. For instance, through dialogue, actions, and internal thoughts, authors can create multi-dimensional characters that evoke empathy or disdain. This nuanced portrayal not only enhances engagement but also encourages readers to reflect on broader themes related to human nature and society.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing conflicts and driving the narrative forward.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.

Characterization: The process by which an author reveals the personality, traits, and motivations of a character.