Elements of Fiction: Characters

While it is true that no book is the same, there is a certain formula that novels follow that can be found in almost all fictional literary work. Novels come with a setting (where & when), plot (what), characters (who), and theme (why).

Characters are the puppets in your novel. You manipulate them into action and create plot by default. Characterization is important to any bestselling novel because the best plot in the world will fall short with underdeveloped characters. Characterization is what makes your readers care. There are two main aspects of characterization: physical and mental.

Physical aspects would be appearance. What color hair and eyes? Do they have any ticks? How tall are they? How fat are they? Do they have any particular birthmarks or mannerisms? Physical characterization will also encompass personal style such as clothing.

The mental aspect is the more important aspect. This aspect will cover your character's personality, motivations, opinions and emotions. This is important because you need your reader to understand why your character acts the way that they do.

Types of characters:

The main character is called the protagonist. This character is the one the story centers on.

The villain is called the antagonist. This is the character that supplies the conflict to the protagonist.

There will also be supporting characters. These characters support or hinder the protagonist forcing the plot into motion. These can be friends, coworkers, the trash man, etc.

Characterization is most important for the protagonist and the antagonist; however if your supporting characters will have a significant presence in the story, you should develop them as well.