* Make decisions: Characters with agency are not mere puppets of fate or external forces. They actively choose their actions and paths.
* Take initiative: They are not passive bystanders, but rather take charge of their lives and initiate actions that affect their own lives and the lives of others.
* Influence the narrative: Their choices and actions drive the plot forward, creating conflict, tension, and resolution.
Examples:
* Hamlet: Hamlet is a character with a high degree of agency. He grapples with existential questions, makes choices that affect his own fate and the fate of others, and ultimately, takes action to bring about his desired outcome.
* Jane Eyre: Jane is a character with strong agency. She actively seeks independence, fights for her right to education and personal happiness, and eventually takes control of her own destiny.
Lack of agency:
Some characters in literature may lack agency, often due to:
* External forces: They are subject to the whims of fate, societal pressures, or the control of other characters.
* Internal limitations: They may be restricted by their own fears, weaknesses, or societal constraints.
* Authorial choices: The author may intentionally design characters with limited agency to explore themes of helplessness, determinism, or social structures.
Importance of agency:
Agency is a crucial element in creating compelling and believable characters. It allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level, empathize with their struggles, and appreciate the complexities of their choices. Exploring the concept of agency can also shed light on societal issues, power dynamics, and individual freedom.
In short, agency is about characters taking charge of their own stories and making choices that shape their lives and the world around them.