characteran
Characteran is a term that has appeared in online discussions and some contemporary writing guides to describe the core identity of a fictional character. Used as a neutral, analytic label, characteran refers to the collection of traits, motivations, values, and narrative purposes that define how a character behaves across scenes and arcs. The concept is intended to focus on character consistency and inner logic rather than external description alone, and it can be used to compare characters within a work or across works.
Etymology and status: The word appears to be a recent coinage, blending character with the general noun-forming
Usage: In practice, writers and critics may speak of a character’s characteran profile or vector, describing
Limitations: Because characteran lacks formal definition, its meaning can vary by author or community. Readers should
See also: character development, character arc, archetype, narrative theory.