Characterization
Representation of characters in narrative and drama.
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Characterization, also called character development, is the method by which authors create and portray persons, creatures, or other beings in narratives and dramatic works. This essential narrative element can be presented directly, where the writer explicitly tells the audience about a character through description or commentary by the narrator, another character, or the character themselves. Alternatively, indirect or implicit characterization requires the audience to deduce traits from a character’s thoughts, actions, speech patterns, physical appearance, mannerisms, and interactions with others, including how other characters react to them.
History
Historically, the concept of characterization was formally named in the 19th century. Aristotle, in his Poetics, argued that plot should take precedence over character, defining tragedy as a representation of action and life rather than of people.
In drama
This view shifted in the 19th century, particularly with the rise of the realist novel and the growing influence of psychology, which affirmed the primacy of character-driven narratives. In drama, characterization differs from prose because an actor can interpret the writer’s description and dialogue uniquely, adding new layers—as seen when critics compare different portrayals of Lady Macbeth or Heathcliff. Drama also cannot directly access a character’s inner thoughts, and characters are typically seen and heard rather than described.
In mythology
In mythology, characters often follow formulaic archetypes, forming part of a limited set of components that can be reconfigured like a kaleidoscope to create new myths. However, another perspective holds that humans do not dissect stories into such parts and that cultural change leads to new character developments.
The Hebrew Bible, by contrast, presents fully developed individuals like Jacob and David, who undergo profound moral and psychological change across their lives, unlike Homeric figures. Mythological influence persists in modern literature; for example, the poet Platon Oyunsky blended native Yakut mythology with Soviet heroic figures such as Stalin and Lenin, creating tragic protagonists like Tygyn, who pursues peace through military force. Shakespeare’s Hamlet uses myths like that of Niobe to parallel and reflect on its characters.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Literary and dramatic theory
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The term characterization was introduced in the 19th century. Aristotle promoted the primacy of plot over characters, arguing in his Poetics that tragedy 'is a representation, not of men, but of action and life.' This view was reversed in the 19th century, when the primacy of character was affirmed first with the realist novel and later with the influential development of psychology. There are two ways an author can convey information about a character: direct or explicit characterization, where the author tells the audience what a character is like via the narrator, another character, or the character themselves; and indirect or implicit characterization, where the audience infers qualities through the character's thoughts, actions, speech, appearance, mannerisms, and interactions with others.
Reader's Guide
Characterization is significant because it shapes how audiences engage with narrative and dramatic works. The distinction between direct and indirect methods provides writers with tools to reveal character, while the historical shift from plot-driven to character-driven narratives reflects broader cultural and intellectual developments, including the rise of psychology. In drama, characterization differs from novels because an actor can interpret the writer's description and dialogue uniquely, and because internal thoughts cannot be directly shown.
In mythology, characters have been depicted as formulaic archetypes, though some traditions, such as the Hebrew Bible, present fully developed individuals with character arcs. Carl Jung identified twelve primary archetypes—the Innocent, Orphan, Hero, Caregiver, Explorer, Rebel, Lover, Creator, Jester, Sage, Magician, and Ruler—though their use has been considered reductive. A character's voice, including their manner of speech, vocabulary, and tone, is a powerful tool for revealing personality, and writers must consider factors such as age, culture, and education to create distinctive voices.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Characterization (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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