On this page, we discuss the 5 Methods of Analysing Characters in Literature.
Analyzing characters is an integral part of literary analysis, helping readers understand not just who a character is, but also their motivations, development, and role within the broader narrative. Here are five effective methods to understand and analyze characters in literature.
5 Methods of Analysing Characters in Literature
The five methods of analyzing characters in literature are:
- Direct characterization: This is when the author explicitly describes a character’s personality, physical appearance, or background to the reader. It can be through direct statements in the narrative or through dialogue.
- Indirect characterization: This involves the author showing the character’s personality through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. The reader then infers the character’s traits based on these clues.
- Analysis through relationships: By observing a character’s relationships and interactions with other characters, we can learn more about their personality, motivations, and emotional complexity. This method often reveals subtleties that might not be apparent in direct descriptions.
- Analysis of dialogue: The words a character uses, their tone of voice, and the topics they choose to discuss can reveal a lot about their personality, education, social status, and beliefs.
- Symbolic interpretation: Sometimes, authors use symbols or recurring motifs to represent certain aspects of a character. These can be objects, colors, or even specific events that, when analyzed, can provide deeper insight into the character’s identity or their role in the story.
Direct and Indirect Characterization
The first method is to observe both direct and indirect characterization. Direct characterization happens when the author straightforwardly describes a character, for example, their physical appearance, their background, or their personality traits. Indirect characterization, on the other hand, is when the author subtly reveals the character’s traits through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, or how other characters react to them. Paying attention to both methods of characterization can offer a well-rounded perspective of a character.
A famous example of direct characterization can be found in “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: “Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.” Here, Austen directly tells us about Mr. Bennet’s character traits.
For indirect characterization, consider Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle, mysterious background, and his persistence in pursuing Daisy, all subtly reveal his character—hopeful, determined, yet ultimately tragic.
Role Analysis
Role analysis involves understanding the character’s function in the story. This could involve looking at their role in relation to the plot (are they a protagonist, antagonist, foil, or supporting character?), their relationships with other characters, and their impact on the narrative’s progression. By understanding a character’s role, we gain insight into their significance within the story.
In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch serves as the moral compass, challenging the racist attitudes of the time by defending a black man in court. His role as a protagonist brings the themes of justice, morality, and racial equality to the forefront.
Motivation and Conflict Analysis:
Investigating a character’s motivations and conflicts is a crucial aspect of character analysis. Motivation refers to what drives a character to act in a certain way or pursue a specific course. Conflict, on the other hand, refers to the challenges or obstacles the character faces. These could be internal conflicts within the character’s mind or external conflicts with other characters, society, or nature. This analysis helps illuminate a character’s goals, struggles, and personal growth.
Hamlet’s motivation and conflict in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” revolve around his desire for revenge against his uncle Claudius, who murdered Hamlet’s father. His internal conflict over how to take revenge and the implications of his actions drive the tragedy of the play.
Symbolic and Archetypal Analysis:
This method involves examining a character for symbolic and archetypal significance. Some characters may represent universal human experiences or symbolize broader ideas or themes. For example, a character might embody the archetype of the ‘hero,’ ‘outcast,’ or ‘trickster.’ Understanding these elements can add depth to our interpretation of a character and their role in the story.
The archetypal ‘hero’ character can be seen in Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” He embarks on a dangerous journey, encounters numerous challenges, but ultimately succeeds in his quest to destroy the ring, representing the battle between good and evil.
Change Over Time Analysis
Finally, observing how a character changes over time provides crucial insights into their development and the story’s thematic messages. Characters might undergo significant changes in their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors in response to events in the plot—a literary device known as ‘character development’ or ‘character arc.’ Noticing these changes can enhance our understanding of the narrative’s emotional and moral dimensions.
In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, undergoes a significant change over time. Scrooge starts as a miserly, selfish man but transforms into a kind, generous individual after visiting his past, present, and future with the three spirits. This character arc illustrates the theme of redemption and the possibility of change.
Each of these methods offers a different lens through which to view and understand characters in literature. By employing them thoughtfully, readers can deepen their comprehension and appreciation of literary works.