ridgekaraktärer

Ridgekaraktärer is a term used in some Swedish literary discussions to describe a particular class of narrative figures whose primary function is to carry and connect the structural progression of a story. The word is a compound of ridge, used metaphorically to denote a high, connecting line, and karaktärer, meaning characters. The concept is not universally standardized in literary theory, but it appears in discussions that emphasize the architecture of narratives rather than just individual psychology.

In practice, ridgekaraktärer are described as figures who persist across scenes or chapters and whose presence helps to weave together multiple subplots or thematic strands. They are often not the central protagonists, yet they provide continuity and momentum by linking events, motivations, and turning points. Their significance lies in the way they shape the narrative’s trajectory, creating a visible ridge-like line of tension and relief through the text.

Key characteristics commonly associated with ridgekaraktärer include a stable narrative function across episodes, a tendency to bridge isolated plot elements, and a role in reinforcing the work’s overall thematic architecture. They may interact with other characters to reflect broader concerns, such as moral questions, social dynamics, or ideological conflicts, while remaining primarily defined by their structural contribution rather than by conventional hero or villain tropes.

The concept is often discussed in relation to the idea of a “red thread” (röd tråd) in narratives, but ridgekaraktärer emphasizes the geometric and connective dimension of storytelling. Critics note that the label can clarify how a narrative maintains coherence, though others caution that it risks reducing complex character psychology to a mere function.

See also: narratology, character theory, plot, motif.