Glossary
Archetype
A recurring character type, symbol, or motif found across different cultures and stories, representing universal patterns of human experience.
Example:
The 'wise old mentor' who guides the young hero on their quest, like Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, is a classic archetype.
Character Development
The process by which a character undergoes significant internal change over the course of a narrative, often in response to conflicts, experiences, or interactions with others.
Example:
A character who begins the novel as a cynical recluse but, through a series of unexpected friendships, learns to trust and open up to others, exemplifies profound character development.
Character's Response to Resolution
How a character reacts, verbally or physically, to the conclusion of a story's conflict or plot, revealing their values, personality, and the impact of events on them.
Example:
After the protagonist finally confronts their long-lost sibling, their quiet tears and embrace demonstrate a profound sense of relief and reconciliation, showing their deep desire for family connection in the face of past trauma.
Minor Character
A supporting figure in a narrative who serves to advance the plot, interact with primary characters, or represent specific ideas, often remaining static throughout the story.
Example:
The wise old shopkeeper who offers a single, cryptic piece of advice to the hero before disappearing from the narrative is a typical minor character.
Primary Character
A central figure in a narrative, typically the main focus of the plot, who undergoes significant development and whose actions drive the story forward.
Example:
In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is the primary character whose elusive dreams and tragic pursuit of Daisy fuel the entire narrative.
Static Character
A character who remains largely unchanged throughout the course of a story, maintaining consistent traits, beliefs, and attitudes from beginning to end.
Example:
Despite witnessing numerous tragedies and triumphs, the grumpy old neighbor in the story remains perpetually pessimistic and isolated, serving as a classic static character.
Symbolic Role
The function of a character, object, or event in a narrative to represent a larger idea, concept, or abstract quality beyond its literal meaning.
Example:
The innocent child in a dystopian novel might play a symbolic role, representing hope for the future amidst widespread despair.
Textual Evidence
Specific words, phrases, sentences, or plot points directly quoted or referenced from a literary work to support an analytical claim or interpretation.
Example:
When arguing that a character is conflicted, one must provide textual evidence by quoting their contradictory dialogue or describing their hesitant actions from the novel.