Question

What is characterisation? How does characterisation add to the reader’s understanding of the theme of the story ?

Answer 1

Hint: Character is a literary element. Characterisation is the process of building up a character in a narrative or a dramatic work. A character is built up by showing a creature in a light that the author wants the readers to perceive about it. The author builds up the traits, nature and behaviour by showcasing it in different situations of the story.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss what is characterisation and how does characterisation add to the reader’s understanding of the theme of the story.

Characterisation is the creation of persons or other characters or creatures in a narrative and dramatic work. It is also called character development. This creative representation may include direct methods like the infusion of qualities in a descriptive manner, and indirect or "dramatic" methods that may invite the readers to infer qualities from characters' actions, dialogue, or appearance.

By giving details on a character's personality, the author helps readers understand that character more accurately just like how we know a real person. By showing how they respond to different situations, the author introduces their nature, traits and gives a glimpse of their view on different topics.

Let's say that John is a jerk at the beginning of a particular story, but at the end he is a kind and forgiving young man that he became after someone showed him how he makes others feel. The theme is probably "You should treat others as you would like yourself to be treated," or something similar. Assuming John is the main character.

Note: In dynamic characters that is, the characters that go through some sort of change in the story, the details of the character and its responses change from beginning to end. If the reader is able to interpret whether or not these changes are being portrayed as positive, then the theme is considered to be understood by the reader.