Glossary
Antagonist
A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and often serving as an obstacle to the protagonist's goals.
Example:
Lord Voldemort acts as the primary antagonist in the Harry Potter series, constantly challenging Harry's quest.
Character Dynamics
The study of how characters change or remain constant throughout a narrative, revealing their inner and outer transformations.
Example:
Analyzing the character dynamics in Pride and Prejudice helps us understand Elizabeth Bennet's evolving perceptions of Darcy.
Dynamic Characters
Characters who undergo significant internal or external transformation over the course of a story, often as a result of plot events.
Example:
Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol is a classic dynamic character, transforming from a miserly recluse to a benevolent figure.
External Change
A visible or tangible alteration in a character's circumstances, such as health, wealth, skills, or social status.
Example:
The dramatic shift in Pip's social standing and wealth in Great Expectations is a prime example of external change.
Foil
A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the other character.
Example:
The cynical, pragmatic Mercutio serves as a foil to the romantic, impulsive Romeo, emphasizing Romeo's passionate nature.
Internal Change
A transformation within a character's perspective, motives, understanding, or moral values, often driving their actions.
Example:
When Hamlet's internal change shifts from indecision to a resolute pursuit of revenge, it propels the play's tragic climax.
Protagonist
The central character in a story, often the one with whom the audience is meant to empathize, and whose journey drives the plot.
Example:
Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of The Hunger Games, and her choices directly influence the rebellion's outcome.
Static Characters
Characters who remain largely unchanged by the events of the narrative, serving to provide stability, contrast, or represent a specific idea.
Example:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch remains a static character, consistently embodying moral integrity despite the town's prejudices.
Theme
The central idea or underlying message that a literary work explores, often revealed through character development, plot, and symbolism.
Example:
The theme of redemption is powerfully conveyed through the dynamic transformation of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.