Character (arts)

Four Commedia dell’Arte Figures claude-gillot

Patrick Grant's Jungian View of LOTR

Character (arts) refers to a person or other being in a narrative work of art such as a novel, play, television series, or film. The character can be completely fictional or based on a real-life person. In the creation of a story, characters serve to perform the actions and speak the dialogue, moving the plot along and allowing the audience to engage with the narrative. The development of a character, known as characterization, is a critical aspect of storytelling, providing depth and interest to the narrative.

Types of Characters

Characters in a narrative can be classified into several types, including but not limited to:

• Protagonist: The main character around whom the story revolves. Protagonists are often heroes or anti-heroes that face obstacles they must overcome.
• Antagonist: The character who opposes the protagonist, often creating the conflict that propels the plot.
• Supporting characters: Characters who provide support, depth, and a backdrop to the main characters. They can have subplots of their own but are primarily there to help flesh out the story.
• Dynamic characters: Characters who undergo significant internal change over the course of the story.
• Static characters: Characters who remain largely the same throughout the story.
• Foil characters: Characters that contrast with the main character, often highlighting particular qualities of the main character.

Character Development

Character development is the process by which an author or screenwriter reveals the personality, appearance, and other traits of a character. This can be done through direct description, through the characters' actions, dialogue, and thoughts, as well as through the reactions of other characters. Effective character development is crucial for making a character relatable and memorable to the audience.

Character Arc

A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. It is a critical element in narrative and character development, which can result in a variety of outcomes, from positive growth to tragic decline.

Importance in Storytelling

Characters are essential to the effectiveness of a story. They are the medium through which the audience connects emotionally with the narrative. Well-developed characters can evoke sympathy, love, hatred, or any number of emotions, thereby engaging the audience and driving the story forward.

In Literature and Other Arts

Characters in literature and other arts have been captivating audiences for centuries. From the tragic heroes of ancient Greek plays to the complex figures found in modern novels and films, characters continue to be a central element of storytelling in all cultures and time periods.