Character

Character is an essential element in every fiction and drama, especially because it ties directly into the plot. Without any characters, it would be difficult for the plot to unfold. The plot is laid out and the characters are introduced and the presence of protagonists and antagonists becomes apparent. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the characters and their backgrounds are very complex. Hamlet, the main and dynamic character, is the protagonist who also acts in conflict with Claudius, the antagonist. The interactions between both characters aid in the development and progression of the plot. For example, Hamlet’s character reaction to the sight of the ghost, his deceased father, helps present the major conflict of the play, which gives meaning to his need for revenge against Claudius. Similar to the importance of character in Shakespeare’s drama, Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, presents more internal characters. One of these characters is Elizabeth Bennet, who is the protagonist. She fosters the most conflict because of her judgmental beliefs and reactions against opposite character, Mr. Darcy. Her behavior can be justified by categorizing her as a round character with a range of emotions that change over the course of the story (p64). This justification helps give meaning to Elizabeth’s character and her unexpected actions to fall in love with Mr. Darcy towards the end. Both Hamlet and Elizabeth have foil characters that help their unique character and personality stand out. Moreover, character in Shakespeare’s drama and Austen’s fiction goes “hand-in-hand” (63) with the respective plots and helps give meaning and value to the storylines.