Characters

Characterization

Characters are distinctive personalities who are involved in the events described by the story. Primary characters are the heroes of the story whose actions determine the plot of the story. Secondary characters have supporting roles to provide the main characters with information, material goods, services or whatever is needed in order to advance the plot.

Characterization is the process of creating a character. Major characters must possess complex personalities to create interest. If the reader can personally identify with major characters, a story carries added emotional charge. Major characters have their own motives that drive the action of the story. Conflicts occur between characters creating situations that demand resolution. As a story evolves, the personalities and motivations of major characters may change adding to the complexity of the story.

Major characters are protected by character shields - a plot device that protects them from the misfortunes perilous for minor characters. The shield can be skill, luck, paranormal force or something unexplained.

Major characters can be categorized as:

The Protagonist: a hero or heroine of a story, whose progress in life is the storyline of a story. The flaw, problem, conflict or quest that confronts the protagonist provides the substance of a story. The protagonist is usually blessed with virtues that place him on the side of 'good'. 'Good' signifies the philosophical and moral stance that the author assumes the reader sympathizes with.

The Tragic Hero: a type of a character whose personality has some tragic flaw (hamartia) that prevents him from being what he wants to be causing him constant suffering. The hamartia provokes the sympathy of the reader. In certain stories, an antagonist is presented as a tragic hero to justify fatal flaws.

The Antihero: a type of a protagonist who presents himself more like an antagonist. As the story develops the reader come to understand that the ant-hero is really on the side of 'good'.

The Antagonist: a hero or heroine of a story who actively opposes the protagonist hindering the protagonist's progress toward a resolution of his problem. The antagonist represents an opposing force that is depicted as 'evil'.

The Villain: the most stereotypical type of an antagonist, depicted as an utterly evil person. The villain has no scruples and hates everyone and everything. The Evil Twin: a type of an antagonist who is the alter ego of the protagonist. This opposition to the protagonist multiplies the effect of conflict in a story.

The False Protagonist: a character who is introduced as a protagonist at the beginning of the story but removed from the storyline later on. This character is replaced by another character who is elevated to the level of protagonist.