Character and Point of View in Literature

Character and point of view are super important parts of any story. They shape how the tale unfolds and give us a peek into what the author wants to say. How characters are put together and from whose eyes we see the story can totally change how we get and feel about the text. In this essay, we’ll dive into why character and point of view matter so much in literature and how they add to the story's overall meaning and punch.

Character Development

Character development is key to telling a good story. When characters feel real and go through changes, we get more hooked on the plot. They make us care, make us feel tense, and keep the story moving.

Literary expert David Lodge talks about "round" and "flat" characters. "Round" characters are fully fleshed out, showing a bunch of emotions and depth. "Flat" characters, on the other hand, are pretty one-note. Usually, the main character, or protagonist, is a round one, as they’re the star of the narrative and often grow or change a lot. Take Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" for example. He's a complicated guy whose motives and inner struggles drive the whole novel.

How characters are shown to us changes how we see and understand the story too. Things like direct and indirect characterization, dialogue, and how characters interact can shape how we see their personalities and motives. By giving us detailed looks into a character's thoughts and feelings, writers make the reading experience more immersive and engaging.

Point of View

The point of view from which a story is told is another big deal. It shapes the narrative and sways how we see the characters, events, and themes. It also affects how emotionally connected we feel to the story.

There are a few common points of view in literature: first person, second person, and third person. In first-person narration, a character in the story tells us what's happening, using "I" or "we." This gives us a close, personal look at their thoughts and experiences. J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" is a good example, where Holden Caulfield talks directly to us about his life.

Third-person narration, on the other hand, is more objective. It lets us see the story from an outside perspective. This can feel less personal but gives a wider view of what's happening. George Orwell's "1984" uses third-person narration to give us a big picture of the dystopian world and what the main character, Winston Smith, goes through.

Impact on the Reader

How characters are developed and the point of view used can really change how we experience and understand a story. When characters are well-rounded and relatable, we get more emotionally invested in their journey. We feel their struggles and victories more deeply. Plus, the point of view can shape our grasp of the story's themes, conflicts, and morals.

A study in the Journal of Literary Semantics says readers get more into stories with complex and dynamic characters. These characters make us feel empathy and connect with our own experiences and emotions. The study also found that the point of view affects how we interpret the events and characters, and how much we enjoy the story.

Character and point of view don’t just affect individual readers. They also influence how we see literature as a whole. Representing diverse, nuanced characters and exploring different viewpoints helps create a more inclusive literary world. It lets more voices and experiences be heard and understood.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, character and point of view are core parts of literature. They have a huge impact on how we experience and interpret stories. Well-developed characters make us care, create tension, and keep the plot moving. The choice of point of view shapes our understanding of the story's themes and conflicts. By looking at why character and point of view matter, we appreciate storytelling more and see how it shapes our thoughts and feelings.