Character is essential to plot. The methods by which a writer creates people in a story so that they seem actually to exist are called characterization.

Questions about Character

1. Do you identify with the protagonist? Who (or what) is the antagonist?

2. Did your response to any characters change as you read? What do you think caused the change? Do any characters change and develop in the course of the story? How?

3. Are round, flat, or stock characters used? Is their behavior motivated and plausible?

4. How does the author reveal characters? Are they directly described or indirectly presented? Are the characters' names used to convey something about them?

5. What is the purpose of the minor characters? Are they individualized, or do they primarily represent ideas or attitudes?

Terms to Consider When Discussing Character

hero/heroine

tragic hero

antihero

dynamic/static character

static character

character foils

flat/round character

stock character