personaggi

Personaggi, Italian for "characters," are the agents who populate a narrative. They may be human, animal, mythical beings, or personified objects, and they interact with one another to drive events, convey themes, and invite reader or viewer identification. They can be central to the plot or exist as background forces that shape mood and setting.

Common roles include the protagonist, the main driver of the story; the antagonist, whose goals oppose the protagonist; and supporting characters who assist or obstruct. In theory, characters may be dynamic, undergoing change, or static, remaining essentially the same. They can be round, complex individuals; or flat, serving a single trait or function. Stock characters rely on familiar archetypes (mentor, temptress, fool). Characterization occurs through action, dialogue, thoughts, appearance, and narration (direct vs indirect).

Character arcs describe how a character changes in response to events. Authors consider motivation, goals, conflicts, and consequences. Reliability of narration and point of view influence how audiences perceive a character’s credibility and moral dimensions. Names, backstory, and cultural context help readers infer personality and stakes.

In literature, drama, film, and games, character design balances internal psychology with narrative function. Well-crafted personaggi reveal authentic desires and vulnerabilities while remaining credible within the story’s world, contributing to themes and emotional impact. Analysis often examines arc, agency, symmetry with other figures, and the alignment between character and voice or perspective.