Introduction
In literature, a character is a person, animal, being, creature, or thing in a story. Writers use characters to perform actions, dialogue, and create a narrative that engages readers. Characters are essential for driving the plot, conveying themes, and eliciting emotional responses from the audience.
Pronunciation
KAR-ik-ter
How Writers Use Characters
Writers use characters to:
- Advance the Plot: Characters’ actions and decisions move the story forward.
- Convey Themes: Characters embody themes and messages of the story.
- Create Emotional Connection: Readers identify with characters, forming emotional bonds.
- Add Depth and Complexity: Well-developed characters add layers to the narrative, making it more engaging and realistic.
- Explore Conflicts: Characters’ struggles and conflicts create tension and drive the story’s momentum.
Types of Characters
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | The main character who drives the story forward. | Harry Potter in Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling |
| Antagonist | The character who opposes the protagonist. | Voldemort in Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling |
| Static Character | A character who does not change throughout the story. | Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle |
| Dynamic Character | A character who undergoes significant growth or change. | Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen |
| Foil | A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities. | Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle |
| Round Character | A well-developed character with a complex personality. | Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald |
| Flat Character | A simple, one-dimensional character. | Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen |
Rules of Character Development
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Ensure characters act in ways that are consistent with their established personalities and backgrounds. |
| Growth | Allow for character development and growth, particularly for dynamic characters. |
| Motivation | Provide clear motivations for characters’ actions and decisions. |
| Depth | Create multi-dimensional characters with strengths, weaknesses, and complexities. |
| Interaction | Develop characters through their interactions with other characters and their environment. |
Examples of Characters in Different Media
Character in Literature
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee | Scout Finch – A young girl who grows up facing racism and learns moral values from her father, Atticus Finch. |
| The Catcher in the Rye | J.D. Salinger | Holden Caulfield – A teenage boy dealing with depression and searching for meaning in life. |
| Moby Dick | Herman Melville | Captain Ahab – An obsessive sea captain seeking revenge against the white whale, Moby Dick. |
Character in Children’s Books
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Series | J.K. Rowling | Hermione Granger – A smart and determined witch who is Harry Potter’s loyal friend. |
| Charlotte’s Web | E.B. White | Wilbur – A pig who forms a friendship with a spider named Charlotte. |
| The Gruffalo | Julia Donaldson | The Gruffalo – A mythical creature invented by a clever mouse to scare away predators. |
Character in Poetry
| Poem | Poet | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The Raven | Edgar Allan Poe | The narrator – A grieving man who descends into madness after encountering a mysterious raven. |
| The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock | T.S. Eliot | J. Alfred Prufrock – A man struggling with self-doubt and social anxiety. |
| Beowulf | Anonymous | Beowulf – A heroic warrior who battles monsters and dragons to protect his people. |
Character in Songs
| Song | Artist | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stan | Eminem | Stan – A fan whose obsession with Eminem leads to tragic consequences. |
| Eleanor Rigby | The Beatles | Eleanor Rigby – A lonely woman who lives a life of quiet desperation. |
| Ziggy Stardust | David Bowie | Ziggy Stardust – A fictional rock star with an otherworldly persona. |
Character in Movies
| Movie | Scene | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The Godfather | Opening Scene | Vito Corleone – The powerful and complex patriarch of the Corleone crime family. |
| Forrest Gump | Life Story | Forrest Gump – A man with a low IQ who leads an extraordinary life. |
| The Dark Knight | Joker Interrogation Scene | The Joker – A chaotic and unpredictable villain who opposes Batman. |
YouTube Links:
Character in Advertising
| Advertisement | Company | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Old Spice | Old Spice | The Man Your Man Could Smell Like – A confident and humorous character promoting Old Spice products. |
| GEICO | GEICO | The GEICO Gecko – A witty and charming gecko who represents the insurance company. |
| Dos Equis | Dos Equis | The Most Interesting Man in the World – A charismatic and adventurous spokesperson for the beer brand. |
YouTube Links:
- Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
- GEICO – The GEICO Gecko
- Dos Equis – The Most Interesting Man in the World
FAQs about Characters
What is a character in literature?
A character in literature is a person, animal, being, creature, or thing in a story that performs actions, engages in dialogue, and interacts with other characters to advance the plot and convey themes.
How do characters differ from real people?
Characters are fictional creations designed to serve the narrative, while real people exist independently of any story. Characters are crafted with specific traits and motivations to fulfill their roles in the story.
Can characters change during a story?
Yes, dynamic characters undergo significant growth or change throughout a story, reflecting their development and experiences. In contrast, static characters remain largely the same.
Why are characters important in writing?
Characters are crucial because they drive the plot, create emotional connections with the audience, and embody the themes and messages of the story.
Related Devices
Protagonist
The main character who drives the story forward and often undergoes significant development.
Antagonist
The character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in the story.
Foil
A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities and traits.
Flat Character
A simple, one-dimensional character with limited development and depth.
Round Character
A well-developed character with a complex personality, often exhibiting growth and change throughout the story.