Tegelaskuju

Tegelaskuju is the Estonian term for a fictional character, the persona created by an author, playwright, screenwriter, or game designer who exists within a story world. Tegelaskuju can be central or supporting, human or non-human, and may carry symbolic meaning as well as narrative function. They are distinguished from the narrator or author and from real-life modeling; their actions, dialogue, and backstory reveal the story’s themes and drive the plot.

Characterization occurs through direct description and through indirect presentation—what the character says, does, and how others respond to them. Key elements include backstory, motivation, goals, flaws, and agency. A tegelaskuju may undergo a change, or arc, over the course of the work, while some figures remain static. Common types include protagonists, antagonists, foils, allies, and comic relief; they can be round or flat, dynamic or static, and may embody stock archetypes or original traits.

In literary analysis, tegelaskuju are examined for consistency, believability, representation, and how they reflect or challenge themes. Researchers consider point of view, reliability, and the social and cultural contexts that shape portrayal. Tropes and stereotypes are discussed in relation to how they affect interpretation and audience reception. Tegelaskuju also feature in media studies and popular culture, where their design, development, and appeal are linked to narrative experience.

Outside pure literature, the concept extends to games and screen media, where playable characters and non-player characters are evaluated for characterization, design, and the degree of audience identification they foster. In all cases, tegelaskuju serve as the primary interface between the audience and the story world.