What do characters do for a story?
Characters play a crucial role in a story by driving the plot, engaging the reader, and conveying the themes and messages of the narrative. Here are some key functions of characters:
1. Advancing the plot: Characters drive the story forward through their actions, choices, and interactions with other characters. They encounter conflicts and obstacles that shape the events of the plot and create tension and suspense.
2. Developing themes: Characters often represent certain ideas, values, or conflicts within a story. Through their experiences, decisions, and relationships, they help convey the underlying themes and messages the author intends to explore.
3. Creating emotional connection: Well-developed characters evoke emotions and create a connection between the reader and the story. Readers can empathize with their struggles, triumphs, and personal growth, which enhances the overall reading experience.
4. Providing perspective and point of view: Characters bring their unique perspectives to the story, offering different viewpoints on events and adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Multiple characters' viewpoints can help the reader understand various facets of the story.
5. Generating conflict and tension: Characters often find themselves in conflict with others or with themselves, creating tension and excitement in the story. These conflicts can range from external battles with antagonists to internal struggles, adding depth and driving the plot.
6. Illustrating character arcs: Characters typically undergo personal growth, transformation, or change throughout the story, known as character arcs. These arcs contribute to the overall themes and provide a sense of satisfaction for the reader, as they witness the characters' progression.
In summary, characters serve a multitude of purposes in a story, including advancing the plot, conveying thematic messages, engaging the reader emotionally, providing perspective, generating conflict and tension, and showcasing personal growth.