Characters

Characterization

Characters are distinctive personalities involved in the events described in the story. Primary characters are the story's heroes whose actions drive the plot. Secondary characters have supporting roles that provide the main characters with information, material goods, services, or whatever else is needed to advance the plot.

Characterization is the process of creating a character. Major characters must possess complex personalities to create interest. When readers can identify with major characters, a story gains emotional charge. Major characters have motives that drive the story's action. Conflicts occur between characters, creating situations that demand resolution. As a story evolves, major characters’ personalities and motivations may change, adding to the story's complexity.

Major characters are protected by character shields - a plot device that protects them from the misfortunes that are 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 drives the 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 character whose personality has a tragic flaw (hamartia) that prevents him from becoming what he wants to be, causing him constant suffering. The hamartia provokes the reader’s sympathy. In certain stories, an antagonist is presented as a tragic hero to justify fatal flaws.

The Antihero: a type of protagonist who presents himself more like an antagonist. As the story develops, the reader comes to understand that the antihero 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 resolving 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: an antagonist who is the protagonist’s alter ego. This opposition heightens the story's conflict.

The False Protagonist: a character introduced as the protagonist at the beginning of the story but later removed from the storyline. Another character replaces them and is elevated to protagonist.