To analyze how a character contributes to the overall effect of a story, consider these aspects:
1. Character Traits and Motivation:
* What are the character's defining traits? (e.g., brave, cowardly, cunning, compassionate)
* What are their motivations and goals? (e.g., seeking revenge, achieving a dream, protecting others)
* How do these traits and motivations influence their actions and decisions?
* How do their choices reveal their character and values?
2. Character Development and Arc:
* Does the character undergo significant change throughout the story?
* What are the key turning points in their journey?
* How does their development contribute to the overall theme of the story?
* Does their transformation resonate with the reader?
3. Role in the Plot and Conflict:
* What is the character's role in the story's central conflict? (e.g., protagonist, antagonist, catalyst, foil)
* How does the character drive the plot forward?
* How do they interact with other characters and influence their actions?
* Do they face obstacles and challenges that test their character?
4. Symbolism and Representation:
* Does the character represent a particular theme or idea? (e.g., innocence, ambition, societal norms)
* How do their actions and words contribute to the author's message?
* Does the character serve as a vehicle for exploring larger societal issues?
5. Emotional Impact on the Reader:
* How does the character evoke emotions in the reader? (e.g., empathy, fear, admiration, disgust)
* Do they make the reader think about the story's themes and characters in new ways?
* Does the author use the character to create a specific mood or atmosphere?
Example Analysis:
Character: Hamlet from Shakespeare's Hamlet
* Traits: Intelligent, melancholic, indecisive, vengeful.
* Motivation: To avenge his father's murder.
* Development: Starts as a grieving prince, but becomes increasingly introspective and cynical. His procrastination and contemplation contribute to tragedy.
* Role: Protagonist, conflicted by his desire for revenge and his philosophical doubts.
* Symbolism: Represents the human condition, grappling with themes of death, mortality, and the nature of justice.
* Emotional Impact: Elicits empathy for his suffering, frustration with his inaction, and contemplation of his internal struggles.
Overall Effect: Hamlet's character contributes to the play's exploration of human nature, morality, and the consequences of indecision. His internal conflict and tragic downfall create a profound and enduring impact on the reader.
By analyzing a character's traits, development, role, symbolism, and emotional impact, you can understand how the author uses them to achieve their intended effect on the reader. This analysis allows you to appreciate the depth and complexity of the story and its themes.