Literature character type grid
Types of characters Major characters Protagonist Direct characterization, describing characters through straightforward, literal language, is another tool authors use to reveal character traits. Indirect characterization also occurs through a character’s dialogue and relationships with other characters. This is known as indirect characterization. The conflict in a story can be internal or external, and for readers, experiencing a character’s struggle through their unique perspective is what makes the character memorable.
Often, characters’ traits are revealed through how they handle conflict. Characters in stories are often a way for readers to engage with experiences they would never have themselves. They’re people we root for, learn from, understand, and project our own understanding, hopes, wants, fears, and curiosity onto-there’s a reason why reading fiction is correlated with increased empathy. Why are characters important?Ĭharacters are important because they are the ones who “tell” stories, even when they aren’t narrating their stories. Characters also entertain, educate, and in some stories, persuade readers. This is a large part of why all five elements need to be present to tell a story: They intersect and amplify each other, immersing the reader in the story. They cause (and develop) conflict, shape its narrative, and reveal its themes. In literature, characters do more than progress a story’s plot. As long as a figure has individual characteristics and engages with the narrative somehow, they’re a character. They can be animals, aliens, mythical creatures, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. If the story is just a retelling of an experience you had, you’re the sole character!Ĭharacters in stories don’t necessarily have to be human. This is true even for simple stories and stories you tell your friends when you’re recounting your day. Although they can be based on real people, characters are fictional (and sometimes fictionalized) figures created specifically for storytelling.Ĭharacter (pronounced keh-ruhk-tr) is one of the five elements that can be found in every story. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly What is a literary character?Ī literary character is a character who plays a role in a story’s narrative.