The Art of Struggle: Crafting Resilient Characters Through Adversity

In the realm of storytelling, characters serve as the heartbeat of any narrative. They drive the plot, evoke emotions, and engage readers. However, one of the most potent tools a writer can wield is the power of adversity. By placing characters in challenging situations, writers not only enhance the complexity of their arcs but also create a more rewarding experience for the audience when those characters ultimately triumph.

The Importance of Obstacles

Obstacles are the crucibles in which characters are tested. They can take many forms: internal conflicts, external challenges, moral dilemmas, or even life-threatening situations. The key is to present characters with obstacles that resonate with their goals, desires, and fears. This connection makes the struggle feel authentic and allows readers to invest emotionally in the outcome.

When characters face difficult obstacles, they are forced to confront their weaknesses and limitations. This process of suffering and struggle is essential for growth. It offers opportunities for transformation, allowing characters to evolve in ways that are believable and relatable. Audiences love to see characters who start in a vulnerable place, confront their demons, and emerge stronger on the other side.

Building Tension Through Suffering

Suffering is not merely about inflicting pain; it’s about building tension and creating stakes. When readers witness a character enduring hardship—be it loss, betrayal, or failure—the emotional weight of the narrative intensifies. This tension keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the character will respond and whether they will rise to the occasion.

Consider the classic hero’s journey. From Frodo’s arduous trek in "The Lord of the Rings" to Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in "The Hunger Games," these characters face insurmountable odds that test their resolve. The pain they endure not only makes their eventual victories more satisfying but also highlights the themes of resilience and hope.

Creating Depth Through Flaws

Characters are often more relatable when they possess flaws that hinder their progress. These flaws can be fears, insecurities, or past mistakes that haunt them. By incorporating these elements, writers can create multidimensional characters who struggle with their own inner demons while battling external challenges.

For instance, a character may be driven by ambition but struggle with the guilt of sacrificing relationships. Their journey to reconcile these conflicting desires can serve as a powerful narrative arc. As they navigate through their obstacles, they may learn valuable lessons about balance, empathy, and self-acceptance, ultimately leading to a more profound triumph.

The Sweet Taste of Victory

When readers witness characters overcoming formidable obstacles, the payoff is immense. A hard-fought victory feels earned, creating a cathartic experience for the audience. It’s the culmination of the journey, the moment when all the suffering and struggle coalesce into a satisfying resolution.

This sense of triumph can manifest in various ways: achieving a long-held dream, mending broken relationships, or simply finding inner peace. Regardless of the outcome, the key is that it resonates with the character's growth and the lessons learned along the way.

In conclusion, incorporating difficult obstacles and allowing characters to suffer is essential for crafting compelling narratives. It adds depth, tension, and emotional resonance, ultimately leading to a more rewarding experience for both the characters and the readers. As writers, embracing the art of struggle not only enhances our storytelling but also reflects the complexities of the human experience, reminding us that triumph is often sweetest when it follows hardship. So, challenge your characters, let them suffer, and watch as they rise, stronger and more resilient, to captivate your audience.

Writing Quotes: Everything characters say or do is a clue to their personalities, their histories, and the forces that motivate them. -- William G. Tapply

 

Unraveling the Tapestry of Character: The Art of Clue-Giving in Fiction Writing

By Olivia Salter

In the realm of fiction writing, the intricate dance between dialogue, action, and character development is paramount. As William G. Tapply aptly stated, "Everything characters say or do is a clue to their personalities, their histories, and the forces that motivate them." This insight serves as a guiding principle for writers who aspire to create multidimensional characters that resonate with readers.

At the heart of character development lies the idea that every utterance and action serves a purpose. A well-crafted character doesn’t merely exist; they are a rich tapestry woven from threads of background, motivation, and desire. Each word they speak and every choice they make reveals pieces of their identity, inviting readers to delve deeper into their psyche.

The Role of Dialogue

Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal. It not only drives the plot forward but also offers a window into a character's mind. The way a character speaks—be it formal, colloquial, hesitant, or assertive—can signal their education level, social status, and even their emotional state. For instance, a character who uses complex vocabulary may suggest a scholarly background, while one who employs slang might hint at a more casual upbringing.

Consider the subtext embedded within conversations. A character's choice of words can reveal hidden agendas or insecurities. For example, a seemingly confident character who constantly seeks validation from others may hint at underlying self-doubt. By paying attention to these nuances, writers can craft dialogue that is not only realistic but also rich in meaning.

Actions as Indicators

Actions often speak louder than words. A character’s decisions and behaviors provide critical insights into their history and motivations. For instance, a character who goes out of their way to help others might suggest a nurturing disposition shaped by a past filled with care and compassion. Conversely, a character who consistently prioritizes their own interests may have a history of betrayal, leading them to adopt a self-preserving attitude.

Moreover, the context of an action can further illuminate a character’s complexities. A character who reacts violently in a moment of anger might be seen as aggressive, but if the root cause of their rage is explored—perhaps stemming from past trauma—the reader can develop a deeper empathy for them. This layer of understanding transforms a simple action into a vital clue about the character’s inner workings.

Motivations and Backstories

Every character is driven by forces that propel them through the narrative. Understanding their motivations requires delving into their backstories, which provide the foundation for their current actions and beliefs. A character’s past experiences shape their worldview and influence their choices, making it essential for writers to weave these histories into the fabric of the story.

For example, a character who has endured loss may exhibit a fierce loyalty to loved ones, stemming from the desire to protect what they hold dear. Alternatively, a character who has faced repeated failures might struggle with fear of commitment, leading them to sabotage relationships. By revealing these motivations through subtle hints and clues, writers can create a sense of authenticity that captivates readers.

Common Themes Explored in Character Backstories

Character backstories are essential for adding depth and complexity to characters in fiction. Here are some of the most common themes explored in character backstories:

1. Trauma and Loss: Many characters are shaped by experiences of trauma or significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, betrayal, or abuse. These events often influence their behavior, fears, and motivations.
2. Identity and Belonging: Characters may struggle with their sense of identity, often influenced by cultural, racial, or familial backgrounds. Themes of belonging and acceptance can drive their actions and relationships.
3. Redemption and Forgiveness: Characters seeking redemption for past mistakes or trying to forgive themselves or others can create compelling narratives. This theme often involves a journey of growth and transformation.
4. Ambition and Success: The desire for success, whether personal or professional, often shapes a character’s motivations. Their backstory may include struggles to overcome obstacles or sacrifices made in pursuit of their goals.
5. Family Dynamics: Relationships with family members, including parental expectations, sibling rivalries, or generational conflicts, often play a significant role in shaping a character’s worldview and decisions.
6. Love and Relationships: Past experiences with love—whether through romantic relationships, friendships, or familial connections—can greatly influence a character’s approach to future relationships.
7. Isolation and Loneliness: Many characters grapple with feelings of isolation, whether due to social circumstances, personal choices, or past experiences. This theme often explores their longing for connection and the barriers they face.
8. Cultural Heritage and Traditions: Characters may be deeply influenced by their cultural backgrounds, traditions, and values. This theme can explore how these factors shape their beliefs, choices, and interactions with others.
9. Betrayal and Trust: Experiences of betrayal can lead to issues with trust in characters. Their backstories may involve pivotal moments that challenge their ability to form connections with others.
10. Conflict and Struggle: Characters often have backstories filled with conflict, whether internal or external. This theme can manifest in struggles against societal norms, personal demons, or ethical dilemmas.

By exploring these themes in character backstories, writers can create richer, more relatable characters that resonate with readers and enhance the overall narrative.

Some Common Psychological Effects of Trauma Writers can use on Characters

Trauma can have profound psychological effects on characters, influencing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Here are some common psychological effects of trauma:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals may develop PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event.
2. Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Trauma can lead to heightened anxiety and panic attacks, causing individuals to experience overwhelming fear and worry about potential threats.
3. Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities can be common, often leading to major depressive episodes.
4. Emotional Numbing: Some individuals may experience emotional detachment or numbness, struggling to connect with their feelings or the feelings of others, which can affect relationships.
5. Hypervigilance: A heightened state of awareness and alertness can result, causing individuals to be easily startled and constantly on guard for potential dangers.
6. Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: Recurrent, involuntary memories of the traumatic event can disrupt daily life, making it difficult for individuals to focus or engage fully in the present.
7. Avoidance Behaviors: Individuals may avoid reminders of the trauma, including places, people, or conversations, which can lead to isolation and withdrawal from social interactions.
8. Dissociation: Some may experience dissociative symptoms, such as feeling disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, which can serve as a coping mechanism.
9. Low Self-Esteem: Trauma can lead to feelings of worthlessness or self-blame, affecting an individual's self-esteem and self-image.
10. Difficulty with Relationships: Trust issues, fear of intimacy, and challenges in establishing or maintaining relationships can arise due to past trauma.
11. Anger and Irritability: Individuals may experience increased irritability, anger outbursts, or difficulty managing emotions, often as a result of unresolved feelings related to the trauma.
12. Substance Abuse: Some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their pain, leading to addiction and further complicating their mental health.

Understanding these psychological effects is crucial for creating authentic and relatable fictional characters who have experienced trauma. Reflecting how trauma impacts a character's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors adds depth to their portrayal and enhances the narrative. 

In crafting a character's journey, it’s essential to show that healing often requires support, whether through professional help like therapy or community resources such as support groups. This approach not only enriches the character's development but also portrays the complexities of their emotional responses in a realistic manner, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs on a deeper level.

The Balance of Subtlety and Clarity

While it’s vital to provide clues about a character’s personality and motivations, writers must also strike a balance between subtlety and clarity. Over-explaining can lead to flat characterizations, while being too vague can leave readers confused. The key lies in layering hints throughout the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle of a character’s identity.

Foreshadowing can be an effective strategy in this regard. Introducing elements that may seem inconsequential at first can later reveal significant insights about a character. This technique not only enriches the narrative but also engages readers in an active analysis of the text, making them feel more connected to the characters.

In conclusion, in the world of fiction writing, characters are the heartbeat of the story. By understanding that everything a character says or does serves as a clue to their personality, history, and motivations, writers can create complex, relatable figures that resonate with readers. Through deliberate choices in dialogue, actions, and backstory, authors can weave a rich tapestry that invites exploration and fosters connection. Ultimately, it is this depth of character that transforms a simple story into a profound journey of understanding and empathy.

Also see:

• William G. Tapply's Books at Amazon
   

See more writing quotes here.

Character Traits: Crafting Authentic and Memorable Characters

Character Traits: Crafting Authentic and Memorable Characters

By Olivia Salter

What Are Character Traits?

A character trait is a distinguishing quality or characteristic that defines a person. These traits shape how characters behave, interact, and evolve throughout a story. Whether they’re heroes, villains, or somewhere in between, understanding character traits is essential for creating vivid, relatable characters.

Positive and Negative Traits

Remember that no one is perfectly good or entirely evil. Every character—no matter their role—should exhibit a mix of positive and negative traits. Here are some examples:

Positive Traits:

1. Empathy: A character who understands others’ feelings.
2. Courage: The ability to face danger or adversity.
3. Loyalty: Staying committed to friends, family, or a cause.
4. Creativity: Thinking outside the box.
5. Optimism: Seeing the silver lining even in tough situations.

Negative Traits:

1. Deceit: Telling lies or manipulating others.
2. Jealousy: Coveting what others have.
3. Arrogance: An excessive sense of superiority.
4. Impulsiveness: Acting without thinking.
5. Cynicism: Distrust or skepticism.

Using Character Traits in Plotting

Once you’ve defined your characters’ traits, use them to enhance your plot:

• Unreliable Character: Their unreliability could lead to unexpected twists.
• Helpful or Scrupulous Character: Their actions might inadvertently reveal crucial information.
• Romantic Character: An affair could ignite conflict.
• Selfish Character: Their internal struggle could drive the story.

Remember, characters are like real people—complex, flawed, and multifaceted. So, go ahead and create characters that leap off the page!!!

Also see:

• 1200+ Character Traits: Ultimate List for Storytellers
• 350 Character Traits – A Fabulous Resource For Writers
• Character Traits List for Creative Writers (with Examples)
• 465 Character Traits List & Examples (Free Download)
• How to Create the Ultimate Character Profile [+ Template]

Unleashing Imagination: Exploring the 16 Personalities for Fiction Writing by Olivia Salter

Unleashing Imagination: Exploring the 16 Personalities for Fiction Writing

 

by Olivia Salter

Creating vibrant and relatable characters lies at the heart of captivating fiction writing. A multi-faceted character is not only intriguing, but also adds depth and realism to a story. To achieve this, writers often turn to the 16-personality model, a powerful tool derived from Carl Jung's theories of personality. In this article, we will explore how the 16 personalities can be utilized to construct engaging and well-rounded characters within the realm of fiction.

1. The analysts (INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP):
The analysts' personalities display an inherent knack for intellectual pursuits. Characters belonging to this category are often brilliant strategists, inventors, or masterminds. Their analytical approach makes them excel at solving complex puzzles, unraveling mysteries, or constructing intricate plans essential for the plot's progression.

2. The Diplomats (INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP):
Diplomatic characters possess profound empathy and an intuitive understanding of others. They are often portrayed as idealists, peacemakers, and visionaries. Their compassion, coupled with their ability to inspire, helps them guide and support other characters through challenges or conflicts, providing emotional depth to the story.

3. The Sentinels (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, and ESFJ):
Sentinel personalities are known for their unwavering sense of duty, loyalty, and practicality. Characters embodying these traits are often portrayed as reliable allies or authority figures, maintaining order and stability within the story. Their adherence to traditions, rules, and strong moral compasses can add conflict or tension to the narrative.

4. The Explorers (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP):
Explorers possess a thirst for adventure, spontaneity, and a love for the present moment. Characters falling into this category are daring risk-takers who bring excitement and a sense of realism to the plot. They thrive in high-stakes situations, pushing boundaries and adding an element of thrill to the storyline.

Utilizing the 16 Personalities for Character Development:

To maximize the potential of the 16 personalities, writers need to delve deeper into their characters' individual traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are some helpful tips to create more authentic and nuanced characters:

1. Use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI):
Explore the various traits associated with each personality type and analyze how they manifest in your characters. Consider their preferences for introversion or extraversion, thinking or feeling, sensing or intuition, and judging or perceiving. This understanding will help give characters distinct perspectives, motivations, and ways of interacting within the story.

2. Balance Strengths and Flaws:
Avoid one-dimensional characters by giving them a mix of strengths and flaws. Real people have their own unique set of abilities as well as weaknesses, and the same should apply to fictional characters. This balance adds depth and relatability and allows characters to grow throughout the story.

3. Create dynamic relationships:
Different personalities often clash or complement each other, leading to compelling dynamics in relationships. Explore interactions between characters with contrasting personalities, sparking conflict, or fostering unlikely alliances. This can lead to engaging subplots and character development arcs.

4. Show personal growth:
Allow characters to evolve and grow throughout the narrative. Utilize the 16 personalities to guide their transformation, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This growth can be driven by a change in their preferences or an internal realization that pushes them to reevaluate their beliefs.

In conclusion, the 16-personnel model presents a valuable framework for crafting multidimensional characters in the realm of fiction writing. By understanding the unique traits, motivations, and natural tendencies associated with each personality type, writers can create characters that resonate with readers and drive compelling storylines. Remember, a well-developed character can captivate audiences, breathe life into a story, and make fiction feel all too real. So, let your imagination soar as you explore the vast possibilities that the 16 personalities offer in your next writing endeavor.

A Quick Note on Personality Types for Writers: Developing Compelling Characters for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

A Quick Note on Personality Types for Writers: Developing Compelling Characters for the Novice Writer

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

Character development plays a crucial role in storytelling, and as a writer, understanding the intricacies of personality types can greatly enhance your ability to create compelling characters. By exploring different personality traits, you can craft multidimensional and relatable characters that captivate your readers. In this article, we will delve into a few key personality types that can serve as a valuable framework for character development.

1. The Introvert vs. the Extrovert:

Understanding the fundamental differences between introverts and extroverts is essential for creating authentic and multidimensional characters. Introverts are typically introspective and reserved and draw energy from solitude. They often prefer calm surroundings and thrive in their own company. On the other hand, extroverts are outgoing social creatures and gain energy from being around others. They are more likely to seek stimulation and enjoy being the center of attention.

By exploring the traits associated with introversion and extroversion, you can shape your characters' behaviors, preferences, and interactions. How they respond to social situations, the types of relationships they form, and their emotional reactions will all be influenced by their position on the introversion-extroversion spectrum.

2. The Thinker vs. the Feeler:

The thinkers and feelers represent another important dimension of personality. Thinkers tend to make decisions based on logic, rationality, and objective analysis. They prioritize facts and efficiency and often approach relationships from a more detached perspective. Conversely, feelers are driven by emotions, empathy, and subjective values. They place importance on personal values, harmony, and the emotional impact of their decisions.

This distinction can help you shape your characters' decision-making processes, their moral compass, and how they form connections with others. Thinkers may make decisions that prioritize logic and practicality, while feelers might make choices based on emotional considerations or empathy for others.

3. The Optimist vs. the Pessimist:

The outlook a character has on life can drastically shape their personality and actions. Optimists tend to have a positive perspective, seeing opportunities in challenges and having a hopeful view of their future. They are resilient, persistent, and often inspire others. Pessimists, on the other hand, have a more negative lens through which they view the world. They tend to anticipate failure, focus on obstacles, and struggle with self-doubt.

By exploring the traits associated with optimism and pessimism, you can add depth to your characters' personal journeys. How they navigate adversity, their motivations, and the overall tone of your story can be influenced by their perspective on life.

4. The Leader vs. the Follower:

Leadership qualities, or the lack thereof, can greatly impact your characters' roles and interactions within your story. Leaders are confident, assertive, and possess the ability to influence others. They take charge, set goals, and make tough decisions. Followers, on the other hand, may lack confidence or prefer to take a subordinate role. They are more comfortable following others' lead and may struggle with decision-making.

Understanding the dynamics between leaders and followers can create tension and conflict within your story. The interplay between characters with strong leadership qualities and those who prefer to follow can generate interesting plot developments and character arcs.

It is important to note that these personality types are not mutually exclusive, and most characters will exhibit a combination of traits from various categories. Furthermore, each individual is unique, and your characters should reflect that complexity. However, by using these personality types as a starting point, you can create characters that feel authentic, relatable, and engaging to your readers.

In conclusion, understanding personality types is a valuable tool for writers to develop compelling characters. By exploring traits such as introversion vs. extroversion thinking, optimism vs. pessimism, and leadership vs. follower tendencies, you can bring depth and authenticity to your characters' personalities. These traits shape their behaviors, motivations, and interactions, allowing your readers to connect with them on a more profound level. So next time you embark on character development, consider the influence of different personality types to create vibrant and captivating individuals within your story.

Also see:

• 16 Personalities 
• 16 Personality Types
•  The Myers & Briggs Foundation

 

More Quick Notes for the Novice Writer

A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer

A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 
 

Who are the characters that make up your story, and how have they developed and grown throughout the narrative? Without their depth, emotions, and motivations, a story can feel lifeless and unfulfilling.

First, strong and well-developed characters allow readers to connect with the story on a deeper level. A reader invests time and energy in caring about characters and their journeys. They want to see them grow, succeed, and overcome their obstacles. For instance, Harry Potter would not have become one of the most beloved book series of all time without distinctly unique and well-developed characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Severus Snape. Readers were fully invested in their lives, and because of the individual complexity and depth of each character, the story became more relatable and engaging.

Furthermore, audience engagement is what sets apart good stories from great ones. Characters are what drive the plot and enable the action to occur. Without the unique perspectives and motivations of each character, every event and interaction would take on a generic and uninteresting tone. For example, in the epic Game of Thrones, the nuanced and flawed characters give depth and meaning to the conflicts and political schemes of the fictional world of Westeros. The characters' complex moral and ethical codes reveal the human nature of each one, giving readers a deep understanding of the challenges the characters face.

In addition, the character arc, which leads to their evolution and growth throughout the story, is a significant factor in the audience's engagement. Characters who experience growth and change are more memorable and relatable as they overcome the trials they face. A character who always remains static may become dull and predictable, and the audience may quickly lose interest. For example, the character of Walter White in Breaking Bad goes from a mundane chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin, showcasing his gradual transformation throughout the series. Walter White's evolution increases viewer engagement and keeps readers hooked until the end of the story.

In conclusion, strong, compelling, and well-developed characters are essential to a captivating plot. Without this element, a story can fall flat and leave readers unsatisfied. The depth and complexity of characters their motivations and their growth contribute to their relatability and evoke the audience's emotions. Ultimately, the characters leave lasting impressions in the minds of the readers, making them the heart of any great story.

More Quick Notes for the Novice Writer

List of Fictional Characters by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

 List of Fictional Characters

by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

This is an alphabetically ordered list of fictional characters, including the titles of works in which they appear. See also literature; novel; fable; short story.

A

• Sir Anthony Absolute (The Rivals)
• Nick Adams (In Our Time and others)
• Parson Adams (Joseph Andrews)
• Frankie Addams (The Member of the Wedding)
• Anthony Adverse (Anthony Adverse)
• Captain Ahab (Moby Dick)
• Albertine (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)
• Alceste (La Misanthrope)
• Algernon (The Importance of Being Earnest)
• Ali Baba (“Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” from The Thousand and One Nights)
• Squire Allworthy (Tom Jones)
• Count Almaviva (The Barber of Seville; The Marriage of Figaro)
• The Alvings (Ghosts)
• Amaryllis (“I Care Not for These Ladies”; “Lycidas”)
• Ananse (African folklore)
• Pamela Andrews (Pamela)
• Angelica (Orlando innamorato; Orlando furioso)
• Harry Angstrom (Rabbit, Run and others)
• Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus (The Skin of Our Teeth)
• Aramis (The Three Musketeers)
• Isabel Archer (The Portrait of a Lady)
• Enoch Arden (Enoch Arden)
• The Artful Dodger (Oliver Twist)
• Gustave von Aschenbach (Death in Venice)
• Lady Brett Ashley (The Sun Also Rises)
• Athos (The Three Musketeers)
• Ayesha (She)
• Dr. Aziz (A Passage to India)

B

• Baba-Yaga (Russian folklore)
• Babar (The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant and others)
• Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbitt; The Lord of the Rings)
• Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings)
• Harry Bailly (The Canterbury Tales)
• David Balfour (Kidnapped)
• Mr. Barkis (David Copperfield)
• Jake Barnes (The Sun Also Rises)
• Lily Bart (The House of Mirth)
• Yevgeny Bazarov (Fathers and Sons)
• Adam Bede (Adam Bede)
• Belial (Paradise Lost)
• Bennet family (Pride and Prejudice)
• Bertram family (Mansfield Park)
• Pierre Bezukhov (War and Peace)
• Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-four)
• Big Daddy (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof)
• Rupert Birkin (Women in Love)
• Anthony Blanche (Brideshead Revisited)
• Leopold Bloom (Ulysses)
• Molly Bloom (Ulysses)
• Bluebeard (Tales of Mother Goose)
• Bobbsey Twins (The Bobbsey Twins series)
• William Boldwood (Far from the Madding Crowd)
• Bolkonsky family (War and Peace)
• James Bond (Casino Royale and others)
• Boojum (The Hunting of the Snark)
• The Borrowers (The Borrowers series)
• Josiah Bounderby (Hard Times)
• Emma Bovary (Madame Bovary)
• Sally Bowles (Sally Bowles; Goodbye to Berlin)
• Lady Augusta Bracknell (The Importance of Being Earnest)
• Bradamante (Orlando furioso)
• Matthew Bramble (The Expedition of Humphry Clinker)
• Colonel Brandon (Sense and Sensibility)
• Dave Brandstetter (Fadeout and others)
• Gudrun Brangwen (Women in Love)
• Ursula Brangwen (Women in Love)
• Brer Rabbit (African folklore)
• Brighella (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Hans Brinker (Hans Brinker)
• Lily Briscoe (To the Lighthouse)
• Dorothea Brooke (Middlemarch)
• Father Brown (The Innocence of Father Brown and others)
• Bruin (Roman de Renart)
• Tom and Daisy Buchanan (The Great Gatsby)
• Inspector Bucket (Bleak House)
• Buendía family (One Hundred Years of Solitude)
• Mr. Bumble (Oliver Twist)
• Natty Bumppo (The Leatherstocking Tales)
• Bunter (Lord Peter Wimsey series)
• Billy Bunter (“The Making of Harry Wharton” and others)
• Rhett Butler (Gone with the Wind)

C

• Camille (La Dame aux camélias)
• Don Camillo (The Little World of Don Camillo and others)
• Albert Campion (The Crime at Black Dudley and others)
• Capitano (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Philip Carey (Of Human Bondage)
• Nick Carraway (The Great Gatsby)
• Richard Carstone (Bleak House)
• Nick Carter (“The Old Detective’s Pupil” and others)
• Sydney Carton (A Tale of Two Cities)
• Edward Casaubon (Middlemarch)
• Hans Castorp (The Magic Mountain)
• Cathbad (Irish legend)
• Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye)
• Olive Chancellor (The Bostonians)
• Cheshire Cat (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Roger Chillingworth (The Scarlet Letter)
• Chingachgook (The Leatherstocking Tales)
• Mr. Chips (Goodbye, Mr. Chips)
• Anna Christie (Anna Christie)
• Martin Chuzzlewit (Martin Chuzzlewit)
• John Claggart (Billy Budd, Foretopman)
• Angel Clare (Tess of the d’Urbervilles)
• Claudine (Claudine at School and others)
• Arthur Clennam (Little Dorrit)
• Humphry Clinker (The Expedition of Humphry Clinker)
• Columbine (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Conan the Barbarian (Conan the Conqueror and others)
• Conlaí (Ulster cycle)
• David Copperfield (David Copperfield)
• Richard Cory (“Richard Cory”)
• Corydon (stock character)
• Mother Courage (Mother Courage and Her Children)
• Ichabod Crane (“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”)
• Cratchit family (A Christmas Carol)
• Janie Crawford (Their Eyes Were Watching God)
• Gerald Crich (Women in Love)
• Guy Crouchback (Sword of Honour)
• Robinson Crusoe (Robinson Crusoe)
• Cú Chulainn (Ulster cycle)
• Sergeant Cuff (The Moonstone)
• Cunégonde (Candide)

D

• D’Artagnan (The Three Musketeers)
• Edmond Dantès (The Count of Monte Cristo)
• Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
• Charles Darnay (A Tale of Two Cities)
• Dashwood family (Sense and Sensibility)
• Stephen Dedalus (A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man; Ulysses)
• Lady Honoria Dedlock (Bleak House)
• Madame Defarge (A Tale of Two Cities)
• Deirdre (Ulster cycle)
• Jean Des Esseintes (Against the Grain)
• Mr. Dick (David Copperfield)
• Digenis Akritas (Akritic ballads)
• Arthur Dimmesdale (The Scarlet Letter)
• Dick and Nicole Diver (Tender Is the Night)
• Don Quixote (Don Quixote)
• Eliza Doolittle (Pygmalion)
• Lorna Doone (Lorna Doone)
• Dorothy (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
• Dottore (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Nancy Drew (The Secret of the Old Clock and others)
• Edwin Drood (The Mystery of Edwin Drood)
• Bulldog Drummond (Bull-dog Drummond: The Adventures of a Demobilized Officer Who Found Peace Dull and others)
• Blanche DuBois (A Streetcar Named Desire)
• The Duchess (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• The Duke and the Dauphin (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
• Dulcinea (Don Quixote)
• C. Auguste Dupin (“The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and others)

E

• Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker (Finnegans Wake)
• Eeyore (Winnie-the-Pooh)
• Elliot family (Persuasion)
• Lord Emsworth (Something Fresh and others)
• Enmerkar (Lugalbanda and Enmerkar and others)
• Henry Esmond (The History of Henry Esmond, Esq.)
• Till Eulenspiegel (German folklore)
• Bathsheba Everdene (Far from the Madding Crowd)

F

• Fagin (Oliver Twist)
• Lord Fauntleroy (Little Lord Fauntleroy)
• Jude Fawley (Jude the Obscure)
• Richard Feverel (The Ordeal of Richard Feverel)
• Fezziwig (A Christmas Carol)
• Flora Finching (Little Dorrit)
• Finn (Fenian cycle)
• Huckleberry Finn (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
• Jeremiah Flintwinch (Little Dorrit)
• Phileas Fogg (Around the World in Eighty Days)
• Forsyte family (The Forsyte Saga)
• Count Fosco (The Woman in White)
• Frankenstein (Frankenstein)
• Ethan Frome (Ethan Frome)
• Fu Manchu (The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu and others)

G

• Hedda Gabler (Hedda Gabler)
• Sairey Gamp (Martin Chuzzlewit)
• Gandalf (The Hobbit; The Lord of the Rings)
• Eugene Gant (Look Homeward, Angel; Of Time and the River)
• Joe Gargery (Great Expectations)
• Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)
• Gellert (Welsh folklore)
• Beau Geste (Beau Geste)
• Gilgamesh (Epic of Gilgamesh)
• Glass family (Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, and others)
• Boris Godunov (Boris Godunov)
• Golias (stock character, medieval French literature)
• Gollum (The Hobbit; The Lord of the Rings)
• Père Goriot (Le Père Goriot)
• Gradgrind (Hard Times)
• Eugénie Grandet (Eugénie Grandet)
• Emmeline Grangerford (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
• Dorian Gray (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
• Grendel (Beowulf)
• Clyde Griffiths (An American Tragedy)
• Grisette (Mimi Pinson and others)
• Titus Groan (Titus Groan trilogy)
• Mrs. Grundy (Speed the Plough)
• Guermantes family (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)
• Martin Guerre (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)
• Guildenstern (Hamlet)

H

• Prince Hal (Henry IV, Part I; Henry V)
• Mike Hammer (I, the Jury and others)
• Hardy Boys (The Hardy Boys series)
• Jonathan Harker (Dracula)
• Harlequin (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Clarissa Harlowe (Clarissa)
• Miss Havisham (Great Expectations)
• Jim Hawkins (Treasure Island)
• Asa and Sabbath Lily Hawks (Wise Blood)
• Headless horseman (“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”)
• Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)
• Uriah Heep (David Copperfield)
• Matt Helm (Death of a Citizen and others)
• Nora Helmer (A Doll’s House)
• Michael Henchard (The Mayor of Casterbridge)
• Herne the Hunter (English folklore)
• Henry Higgins (Pygmalion)
• Fanny Hill (Fanny Hill)
• Roy Hobbs (The Natural)
• Sherlock Holmes (A Study in Scarlet and numerous other detective stories)
• Horatio Hornblower (The Happy Return and others)
• Roderick Hudson (Roderick Hudson)
• Humbert Humbert (Lolita)
• Humpty Dumpty (English nursery rhyme)
• Mr. Hyde (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)

I

• Iago (Othello)
• Ilya of Murom (Russian folklore)
• Infant Phenomenon (Nicholas Nickleby)
• Isolde (Celtic folklore)

J

• Jabberwock (“Jabberwocky”)
• Mr. Jaggers (Great Expectations)
• Jarndyce family (Bleak House)
• Dr. Jekyll (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)
• Mrs. Jellyby (Bleak House)
• Jim (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
• Gulley Jimson (The Horse’s Mouth)
• Joad family (The Grapes of Wrath)
• Joseph K. (The Trial)
• Juliet (Romeo and Juliet)

K

• Karamazov brothers (The Brothers Karamazov)
• Anna Karenina (Anna Karenina)
• Katharina (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Carol Kennicott (Main Street)
• Diedrich Knickerbocker (A History of New York)
• George Knightley (Emma)
• Stanley Kowalski (A Streetcar Named Desire)
• Tonio Kröger (Tonio Kröger)
• Mr. Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)

L

• Will Ladislaw (Middlemarch)
• Lydia Languish (The Rivals)
• Silas Lapham (The Rise of Silas Lapham)
• Wolf Larsen (The Sea Wolf)
• Lazarillo de Tormes (The Life of Lazarillo of Tormes)
• Lear (King Lear)
• Simon Legree (Uncle Tom’s Cabin)
• Lemminkäinen (Finnish folklore)
• Inspector Lestrade (Sherlock Holmes series)
• Konstantine Levin (Anna Karenina)
• Linton family (Wuthering Heights)
• Little Em’ly (David Copperfield)
• Little Eva (Uncle Tom’s Cabin)
• Little Nell (The Old Curiosity Shop)
• Lochinvar (“Marmion”)
• Lohengrin (Parzival)
• Willy Loman (Death of a Salesman)
• Studs Lonigan (Studs Lonigan trilogy)
• Lothario (The Fair Penitent)
• Robert Lovelace (Clarissa)
• Sut Lovingood ( Sut Lovingood: Yarns Spun by a “Natural Born Durn’d Fool”)
• Lugalbanda (Lugalbanda and Enmerkar)
• Lulu (Earth Spirit; Pandora’s Box)
• Arsène Lupin (Arsène Lupin detective stories)
• Tertius Lydgate (Middlemarch)
• Barry Lyndon (Barry Lyndon)

M

• Macbeth (Macbeth)
• Lady Macbeth (Macbeth)
• Macheath (The Beggar’s Opera; The Threepenny Opera)
• Mad Hatter (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Madog ab Owain Gwynedd (Welsh folklore)
• Maeldúin (Irish folklore)
• Abel Magwitch (Great Expectations)
• Jules Maigret (The Case of Peter the Lett and others)
• Major Major (Catch-22)
• Malcolm (Macbeth)
• Alexander and Lucie Manette (A Tale of Two Cities)
• Marcel (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)
• March Hare (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• March family (Little Women)
• Augie March (The Adventures of Augie March)
• Marchmain family (Brideshead Revisited)
• Jacob Marley (A Christmas Carol)
• Philip Marlowe (The Big Sleep and others)
• Miss Marple (Murder at the Vicarage and others)
• Bertha Mason (Jane Eyre)
• Perry Mason (The Case of the Velvet Claws and others)
• Travis McGee (The Deep Blue Good-By and others)
• Wilhelm Meister (Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship)
• Oliver Mellors (Lady Chatterly’s Lover)
• Mr. Merdle (Little Dorrit)
• Wilkins Micawber (David Copperfield)
• Daisy Miller (Daisy Miller)
• Miranda (The Tempest)
• Walter Mitty (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”)
• Mock Turtle (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Sara Monday (Herself Surprised)
• Moomintroll (The Moomins and the Great Flood and others)
• Hank Morgan (A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court)
• Professor Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes series)
• Catherine Morland (Northanger Abbey)
• Hazel Motes (Wise Blood)
• Mr. Moto (No Hero and others)
• Mowgli (The Jungle Book)
• Mugridge (The Sea Wolf)
• Baron Munchausen (The Adventures of Baron Munchausen)
• Edward Murdstone (David Copperfield)

N

• Captain Nemo (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea; The Mysterious Island)
• Nicholas Nickleby (Nicholas Nickleby)

O

• Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind)
• Gabriel Oak (Far from the Madding Crowd)
• Oberon (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Odette (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)
• Duke of Omnium (Palliser novels by Anthony Trollope)
• Eugene Onegin (Eugene Onegin)
• Ophelia (Hamlet)
• Orlando (As You Like It)
• Orlando (Orlando innamorato; Orlando furioso)
• Gilbert Osmond (The Portrait of a Lady)
• Othello (Othello)

P

• Palliser family (Palliser novels by Anthony Trollope)
• Pancks (Little Dorrit)
• Pangloss (Candide)
• Pantaloon (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Panurge (Gargantua and Pantagruel and others)
• Peachum family (The Beggar’s Opera; The Threepenny Opera)
• Pearl (The Scarlet Letter)
• Seth Pecksniff (Martin Chuzzlewit)
• Pedrolino (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Peer Gynt (Peer Gynt)
• Clara Peggotty (David Copperfield)
• Peter Pan (Peter Pan)
• Petruchio (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Samuel Pickwick (The Pickwick Papers)
• Piglet (Winnie-the-Pooh)
• Billy Pilgrim (Slaughterhouse-Five)
• Pinocchio (“The Adventures of Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet”)
• Pip (Great Expectations)
• Sir Fretful Plagiary (The Critic)
• Anna Livia Plurabelle (Finnegans Wake)
• Hercule Poirot (The Mysterious Affair at Styles and others)
• Ross Poldark (Ross Poldark and others)
• Aunt Polly (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
• Pollyanna (Pollyanna)
• Polonius (Hamlet)
• Pontifex family (The Way of All Flesh)
• Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins and others)
• Porthos (The Three Musketeers)
• Portia (The Merchant of Venice)
• Harry Potter (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and others)
• Fanny Price (Mansfield Park)
• Miss Prism (The Importance of Being Earnest)
• Prospero (The Tempest)
• J. Alfred Prufrock (“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”)
• Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter)
• Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Puss in Boots (Puss in Boots)

Q

• Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
• Allan Quatermain (King Solomon’s Mines)
• Captain Queeg (The Caine Mutiny)
• Queen of Hearts (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Queequeg (Moby Dick)
• Adela Quested (A Passage to India)
• Daniel Quilp (The Old Curiosity Shop)

R

• A.J. Raffles (Raffles stories by E.W. Hornung)
• Ramsay family (To the Lighthouse)
• Basil Ransom (The Bostonians)
• Rodion Raskolnikov (Crime and Punishment)
• Red Cross Knight (The Faerie Queene)
• Regan (King Lear)
• Reynard the Fox (character from medieval literature)
• Richard III (Henry VI, Part 2; Henry VI, Part 3; Richard III)
• Tom Ripley (The Talented Mr. Ripley and others)
• Howard Roark (The Fountainhead)
• Robin Hood (series of English ballads)
• Christopher Robin (Winnie-the-Pooh)
• Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre)
• Rocinante (Don Quixote)
• Romeo (Romeo and Juliet)
• Rosalind (As You Like It)
• Rosencrantz (Hamlet)
• Rostov family (War and Peace)
• Roxane (Cyrano de Bergerac)
• Barnaby Rudge (Barnaby Rudge)
• Ruggiero (Orlando furioso)
• Marmaduke Ruggles (Ruggles of Red Gap)
• Horace Rumpole (Rumpole of the Bailey and others)
• Charles Ryder (Brideshead Revisited)

S

• The Saint (Meet the Tiger and others)
• Gregor Samsa (The Metamorphosis)
• Sancho Panza (Don Quixote)
• Tom Sawyer (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
• Scapin (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Scaramouche (stock character, commedia dell’arte)
• Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
• Amelia Sedley (Vanity Fair)
• The Shadow (The Living Shadow and others)
• Shakuntala (The Recognition of Shakuntala)
• Becky Sharp (Vanity Fair)
• Ántonia Shimerda (My Ántonia)
• Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)
• Shrek (Shrek! by William Steig)
• Shylock (The Merchant of Venice)
• Bill Sikes (Oliver Twist)
• Long John Silver (Treasure Island)
• Tyrone Slothrop (Gravity’s Rainbow)
• Smike (Nicholas Nickleby)
• George Smiley (Call for the Dead and others)
• Winston Smith (Nineteen Eighty-four)
• Snark (“The Hunting of the Snark”)
• Snopes family (The Hamlet and others)
• Snowball (Animal Farm)
• Lucy Snowe (Villette)
• Halvard Solness (The Master Builder)
• Hetty Sorrel (Adam Bede)
• Sam Spade (The Maltese Falcon)
• Dora Spenlow (David Copperfield)
• Wackford Squeers (Nicholas Nickleby)
• Stage Manager (Our Town)
• Monroe Stahr (The Last Tycoon)
• Starbuck (Moby Dick)
• Willie Stark (All the King’s Men)
• James Steerforth (David Copperfield)
• Lambert Strether (The Ambassadors)
• Esther Summerson (Bleak House)
• Charles and Joseph Surface (The School for Scandal)
• Sutpen family (Absalom, Absalom!)
• Svengali (Trilby)
• Charles Swann (Remembrance of Things Past; or, In Search of Lost Time)

T

• Verena Tarrant (The Bostonians)
• Tarzan (Tarzan of the Apes)
• Tattycoram (Little Dorrit)
• Suky Tawdry (The Threepenny Opera)
• Lady Teazle (The School for Scandal)
• William Tell (Swiss folklore)
• Becky Thatcher (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
• Thomas Bigger (Native Son)
• Thomas the Tank Engine (The Three Railway Engines and others)
• Sadie Thompson (“Rain”)
• Christopher Tietjens (Parade’s End)
• Tinker Bell (Peter Pan)
• Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Tituba (The Crucible)
• Topsy (Uncle Tom’s Cabin)
• Tristan (Celtic folklore)
• Betsey Trotwood (David Copperfield)
• Sergeant Francis Troy (Far from the Madding Crowd)
• Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Oliver Twist (Oliver Twist)
• Uncle Tom (Uncle Tom’s Cabin)

U

• Urizen (America, a Prophecy and others)

V

• Jean Valjean (Les Misérables)
• Valmont (Dangerous Liaisons)
• Philo Vance (The Benson Murder Case and others)
• Dolly Varden (Barnaby Rudge)
• Varner family (The Hamlet)
• Diggory Venn (The Return of the Native)
• Captain Vere (Billy Budd, Foretopman)
• Rosamond Vincy (Middlemarch)
• Viola (Twelfth Night)
• Count Aleksey Vronsky (Anna Karenina)
• Eustacia Vye (The Return of the Native)

W

• Dr. Watson (Sherlock Holmes series)
• Weird Sisters (Macbeth)
• Sam Weller (The Pickwick Papers)
• Frederick Wentworth (Persuasion)
• Werther (The Sorrows of Young Werther)
• Sophia Western (Tom Jones)
• Simon Wheeler (“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”; “Jim Wolfe and the Tom-cats”)
• White Rabbit (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
• Agnes Wickfield (David Copperfield)
• Tom Wilcher (To Be a Pilgrim)
• Damon Wildeve (The Return of the Native)
• Pudd’nhead Wilson (Pudd’nhead Wilson)
• Lord Peter Wimsey (Whose Body? and others)
• Wingfield family (The Glass Menagerie)
• Wise Men of Gotham (English legend)
• Wolfdietrich (Ortnit; Wolfdietrich)
• Nero Wolfe (Fer-de-Lance and others)
• Emma Woodhouse (Emma)
• Bertie Wooster (“Extricating Young Gussie” and others)

Y

• Clym Yeobright (The Return of the Native)
• Captain John Yossarian (Catch-22)

Z

• Zorro (“The Curse of Capistrano” and other stories by Johnston McCulley)