Here's why:
* Focus on the internal: Modernism emphasized the subjective experience, exploring the inner world of characters rather than their outward actions. This led to a focus on consciousness, stream of consciousness, and the portrayal of complex, often contradictory, inner lives.
* Rejecting the traditional hero: Modernist writers often rejected the notion of a clear-cut hero or villain. Their characters were often flawed, ambiguous, and driven by complex motivations that were not always easily understood.
* Exploring the complexities of human nature: Modernist writers sought to explore the darker, more unsettling aspects of human nature. They often depicted characters grappling with alienation, disillusionment, and the absurdity of life.
Examples of psychological characterization in modernist fiction:
* James Joyce's Ulysses: The novel delves into the thoughts and experiences of Leopold Bloom throughout a single day, revealing his inner conflicts and the complexities of his psyche.
* Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway: The novel focuses on the thoughts and memories of Clarissa Dalloway, exploring her anxieties and the passage of time.
* Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis: The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, is transformed into an insect, prompting a profound exploration of alienation and the anxieties of modern life.
Modernist writers used a variety of techniques to create psychological characterization, including:
* Stream of consciousness: A technique that mimics the flow of thoughts and emotions in the mind.
* Interior monologue: A character speaking their thoughts directly to the reader.
* Symbolism and imagery: Symbols and images are used to represent complex inner states.
Ultimately, modernist fiction sought to capture the complexities and uncertainties of human experience, often through the lens of psychological characterization.