They can also provide different perspectives on the theme. In 'Moby - Dick', Ishmael's shipmates are supporting characters. Their various beliefs and reactions to the hunt for the white whale offer different views on the themes of obsession, fate and man's struggle against nature.
By reflecting different aspects of the theme. For instance, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Calpurnia, as a supporting character, shows the complex race relations which are central to the theme of the novel through her interactions with the Finch family.
Characters in novels play a crucial role in expressing the overall theme. They can be the embodiments of certain values or ideas. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch represents justice and moral integrity. His actions and beliefs directly reflect the theme of racial injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Irrational characters can enhance the overall theme by showing the flaws in human nature. For instance, if the theme is about the search for truth, an irrational character might constantly avoid the truth, highlighting its importance.
Characters contribute to the overall theme in complex ways. Their dialogues are one way. Through their conversations, the theme can be expressed. For instance, in a novel about morality, characters might debate right and wrong, thus revealing the theme. Their internal monologues are also important. A character's self - doubt or self - realization can be related to the theme. In a coming - of - age story, a character's internal thoughts about growing up contribute to the theme. And the choices characters make are crucial. If the theme is about fate, a character's decision to fight against or accept their fate is relevant to the theme.
Characters in psychological novels contribute to the theme by embodying different aspects of it. If the theme is the corrupting influence of power, characters with power will display psychological changes related to that. Their relationships with other characters also show how the theme plays out. For example, a character's envy of another's power can be a part of the exploration of the power - related theme. They are like pieces of a puzzle that together form the picture of the theme.
Well, in many novels, a life sentence can be symbolic. Let's take a story where a character has a life sentence of guilt. This guilt haunts them throughout their life and becomes a driving force for their actions. It can contribute to themes like redemption or the consequences of past actions. The character's attempts to deal with this life - long burden help to develop the overall theme of the novel, whether it's about forgiveness, self - discovery, or something else entirely.
Death scenes can reinforce the theme of mortality. It makes the readers aware that no character is invincible. For example, in a war novel, the death of soldiers can highlight the brutality and futility of war, which is an important theme of the story.
Nameless women can also contribute to themes of mystery or the unknown. For example, if the theme is about the secrets of a small town, an unnamed woman might be at the center of those secrets, and her namelessness adds to the sense of the unknown that surrounds the theme.
The characters in the 'I, Robot' novel contribute to the overall theme in various ways. For example, the robots like Robbie show that robots can be gentle and caring, which ties into the theme of the potential for harmony between humans and robots.
They create conflict. For instance, when a condescending character like Mr. Collins in 'Pride and Prejudice' tries to force his will on the Bennet family regarding marriage, it causes tension and drives the plot forward as the family has to deal with his unwanted advances.
The characters' appearance can create a spooky atmosphere. For example, a pale, gaunt character with sunken eyes can immediately give a sense of unease. Their actions also matter. If a character is constantly looking over their shoulder or acting paranoid, it adds to the feeling of danger. In gothic novels, characters often whisper secrets or have hushed conversations, which makes the atmosphere seem more tense.