Character of a Story

 CHARACTER OF A STORY

All the characters in a story refer to the protagonist: they oppose him, ally themselves with him or carry out both activities; However, the relationship between the protagonist and the opponent is the most important and unique. By working through the conflict between these two characters, the most important themes and issues will be developed. They both have the same desire, although they want to achieve it in a different way.

A good storyteller must make sure that the antagonist also has a desire, a justification for acting as he does; It needs to be a powerful and compelling but ultimately incorrect justification. In the story, the antagonist's values conflict with those of the protagonist and both learn from each other and transform.

Whether in the form of a heroic soldier, a good investigator, a ridiculous puppet or an ant with human features, the protagonist is the figure with whom the audience will identify most. That's why he wants it to succeed, because its destiny becomes, in a way, that of the viewer.

The description of the main characters should serve, above all, to know them internally: the desires that move them and the defects they present. You don't always need great descriptions: sometimes, with a single act or gesture you can reveal the type of character you have in front of you. For example, if a character provides a small service without reward, we classify him among the good characters; On the other hand, an incorrect or rude gesture immediately predisposes us against that character. Then, the characters' actions progressively show their personality.

It is especially important to show some vice or defect of the protagonist. Without defects there is no need for transformation. On the other hand, a story also requires internal combat. Additionally, the audience is more likely to empathize with the character if he or she is flawed. If it's perfect, it becomes distant. In fact, one of the antagonist's functions is to highlight the protagonist's greatest weakness, so that he is forced to face it and grow.

In the previous chapter we explained the theme or moral argument, that is, the message proposed by the story. Well, it is important that this is related to the protagonist's main weakness. In this way, when the character "understands", when he "sees" the moral issue, his transformation occurs. For example, only when the hero understands that it is worth giving his life to save a city, does he stop running and become into a true hero. Only then does he transform. 

That is, the moral theme connects with the main character because it usually crystallizes in a moral decision that the protagonist makes, usually near the end of the story. 

Attention: if your character is the same at the end of the story than at the beginning, you have not done something well. 

© Don. J.B Nyamunga'24