The key characters in a novel usually refer to those who play an important role in the story. The key characters in the novel could usually push the development of the story, shape the character image, reveal the background of the story, and trigger the reader's emotional resonance. Here are some of the roles that key characters in the novel might play: 1. Drive the development of the story: The actions and decisions of key characters can drive the development of the story and change the ending and direction of the story. 2. Shaping the character image: The actions and decisions of key characters can reflect the character's personality, quality, values, and other aspects to shape the character image. Reveal the background of the story: The actions and decisions of key characters can reveal the background, history, culture and other aspects of the story to deepen the reader's understanding and understanding of the story. 4. Evoke readers 'emotional resonance: The stories and experiences of key characters can trigger readers' emotional resonance, making readers resonate and move by the story. 5. Giving story clues: The actions and decisions of key characters can provide story clues to guide the reader to the next step of the story. In a novel, the key characters play a very important role. Their existence and actions can influence the ending and development of the story, and at the same time, they can attract the interest and attention of the readers.