What is the role of characters in a story?

The role of characters in a story is central to the narrative structure, as they are the agents that carry out actions and engage with one another, driving the plot forward. Characters are essential for creating conflict and resolution, motivate the story’s progression, and evoke emotional responses from the audience. Their interactions, decisions, and personal growth reveal themes and messages, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on a deeper level.

By embodying different perspectives and experiences, characters create a dynamic landscape where readers explore various moral dilemmas and emotional journeys, making them pivotal in developing the overall plot. While characters can indirectly contribute to providing context about the setting or background information, their primary function is to engage in actions that propel the story forward, making them indispensable to the narrative.