Characters, Themes, Language and Style in Prose

A fictional prose work becomes meaningful through the interaction of its characters, themes, language and style. Characters can represent aspects of society, themes can reflect what happens in society, and the writer’s use of language and style can shape how readers understand the text.

This lesson focuses on two connected areas: how characters and themes reflect context and society, and how language and style enhance meaning in fictional texts.

1. Begin with the Society Around a Story

Think about the world in which a fictional story takes place. Writers do not create every theme and character in isolation. The source explains that society is the raw material from which writers derive their themes.

The experiences, relationships, values, conflicts and conditions found in human existence can become material for literary themes.

Examples of themes identified in this lesson include:

• love;
• hatred;
• determination;
• hard work; and
• jealousy.

These themes reflect aspects of human existence. When a writer presents characters experiencing such situations, readers can examine what the fictional work reveals about the society or context represented.

2. Characters as Models of Society

Characters are used to model happenings or hidden aspects of society. A character’s behaviour, relationships and experiences can therefore help readers think about social realities represented in a text.

For example, the source uses Francis in Buchi Emecheta’s The Second Class Citizen to illustrate how a character can reflect how some cultures treat women.

This does not mean that every character represents an entire society. Rather, the character can provide a way of examining particular happenings or aspects of the society represented in the literary work.

3. What Is a Character?

A character is an individual who plays a role in a literary work. Characters may have different functions and may change in different ways as the plot develops.

When analysing a character, ask:

• Who is the character?
• What role does the character play?
• How does the character behave?
• What conflicts or trials does the character face?
• Does the character change as the plot unfolds?
• What aspect of society or context might the character help us examine?

4. Major Character Types

Character Type	Meaning
Protagonist	The main character from whose perspective the story is often seen and in whom readers are most invested.
Antagonist	A character or group of characters that opposes the main character.
Hero/Heroine	A story’s main character who often has to overcome conflicts and trials.
Tragic Hero	A character with many heroic virtues but also a tragic flaw.
Foil	An opposing character or characters whose actions and attitudes generally highlight the main qualities of the protagonist.
Rounded Character	A character who exhibits development or change in behaviour as the plot unfolds, reflecting a complex and multi-sided nature.
Flat or one-dimensional Character	A character who does not change greatly from the beginning of the narrative to its end.

5. Protagonist and Antagonist

The protagonist is the main character from whose perspective the story is often seen and in whom readers are most invested.

The antagonist is the character or group of characters that opposes the main character.

These roles are easier to understand when you examine the relationship between them.

Protagonist → central character or main focus

Antagonist → opposition to the main character

The opposition between characters can contribute to conflict and therefore to the development of the story.

6. Hero, Heroine and Tragic Hero

A hero or heroine is the story’s main character who often has to overcome conflicts and trials.

A tragic hero has many heroic virtues but also possesses a tragic flaw. When analysing such a character, therefore, look at both sides: the qualities that make the character heroic and the flaw that contributes to the character’s tragic condition.

7. Foil Characters

A foil is an opposing character or characters whose actions and attitudes generally highlight the main qualities of the protagonist.

The value of a foil lies in contrast. By placing different actions or attitudes alongside those of the protagonist, the writer can make particular qualities of the protagonist more noticeable.

Think About It

If one character’s actions make the qualities of another character easier to notice through contrast, which character type should you consider?

Answer: A foil.

8. Rounded and Flat Characters

A rounded character exhibits development or change in behaviour as the plot unfolds. This development reflects a complex and multi-sided nature.

A flat or one-dimensional character does not change too much from the beginning of the narrative to its end.

Rounded Character	Flat or One-dimensional Character
Shows development or change.	Does not change greatly.
May reveal a complex and multi-sided nature.	Remains relatively consistent from beginning to end.
Examine how behaviour changes as the plot unfolds.	Examine how little the behaviour changes across the narrative.

9. What Is Theme?

Theme is a central idea in a literary work. The source explains that themes are reflections of what happens in society.

When analysing a theme, do not simply identify a single word. Look at the ideas, events and experiences throughout the text that contribute to the central idea.

For example, hard work may be identified as a theme. To analyse it properly, examine how the text presents experiences and events connected to that idea.

10. From General Theme to Thematic Statement

A useful way to deepen your analysis is to move from a general theme to a thematic statement.

For example:

General theme: Determination.

A thematic statement should go further by expressing what the literary work suggests about determination. The statement must be based on the text being studied.

This approach prevents the reader from stopping at a single abstract word and encourages closer attention to what the work actually communicates.

11. Characters, Themes and Society

Characters and themes can be studied together. A character may experience a situation that reveals a social issue, while the theme expresses the broader idea connected to that experience.

Analytical Question	What It Helps You Examine
Who is involved?	Character
What happens to the character?	Character experience and plot
What does the experience reveal?	Context and society
What central idea emerges?	Theme
How does the character change?	Character development

12. Can a Character Be Both Good and Bad?

A character does not always have to be viewed as completely good or completely bad. A character may display qualities that readers admire while also behaving in ways that are harmful or problematic.

To prove that a character can be both good and bad, identify evidence of both kinds of behaviour in the text. Then explain how the different behaviours contribute to the character’s complexity.

Practice

Choose a character from a prescribed text. Make two columns in your notes:

Qualities or Actions to Admire	Qualities or Actions to Criticise
Record evidence of positive qualities or actions.	Record evidence of negative or harmful qualities or actions.

Use the evidence to develop a balanced interpretation rather than making a judgment without support.

13. Introducing Style in Fiction

Character and theme are not the only elements that create meaning. The writer’s language and style also matter.

In literature, style refers to the way an author uses language to convey ideas by creating a distinctive voice and tone.

Style encompasses elements such as:

• word choice;
• sentence structure;
• figurative language;
• tone; and
• point of view.

These elements can be used to create mood, imagery and meaning.

14. Diction: The Writer’s Choice of Words

Diction is the choice of words a writer uses to convey an idea, a point of view or to tell a story.

When analysing diction, look closely at the actual words used by the writer. Ask what those choices help the reader understand about the idea, perspective or story.

Quick Check

If a question asks you to examine the particular words a writer has selected to communicate an idea, which element of style should you examine?

Answer: Diction.

15. Sentence Structure

Sentence structure refers to how the basic grammatical elements are employed in writing to enhance meaning.

When examining sentence structure, pay attention to how the writer constructs sentences and consider how that construction contributes to the meaning of the passage.

The important point is that grammar and structure are not merely technical features. The writer’s use of sentence structure can contribute to how the reader experiences the text.

16. Tone

Tone refers to the revelation of feelings, opinions and stance through the choice of words.

The tone may belong to the writer, but it may also belong to a created character. The source gives examples involving Nick Carraway, the narrator in The Great Gatsby, and Abena’s point of view in The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo, as well as Nelly Dean’s tone in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.

When analysing tone, ask:

• What feelings are revealed?
• What opinion or stance is communicated?
• Which word choices help reveal that feeling, opinion or stance?

17. Point of View

Point of view is the perspective through which the narrator tells the story.

The source identifies four forms:

• First person point of view
• Second person point of view, which is described as a rarely used device
• Third person point of view
• Omniscient point of view

Point of view is therefore both a narrative element and an element of style. It influences the perspective through which readers receive the events of the fictional text.

18. Figurative Language

Figurative language is the non-literal use of language that emphasises, clarifies and embellishes written and spoken language.

When you encounter figurative language, do not stop after identifying it. Ask what the non-literal expression helps the writer communicate.

Look for how figurative language contributes to:

• emphasis;
• clarity;
• embellishment;
• mood;
• imagery; and
• meaning.

19. Language and Style Work Together

The elements of language and style do not operate separately. A writer’s word choice, sentence structure, tone, point of view and figurative language can combine to shape the reader’s understanding.

Element	Focus of Analysis
Diction	The writer’s choice of words.
Sentence structure	How grammatical elements are employed to enhance meaning.
Tone	Feelings, opinions and stance revealed through word choice.
Point of view	The perspective through which the narrator tells the story.
Figurative language	Non-literal language used to emphasise, clarify and embellish.

20. Humour and Suspense

The lesson also introduces humour and suspense as language and narrative devices that can contribute to meaning.

Humour can affect the way readers experience a text. Suspense can make readers anticipate what may happen next.

When analysing suspense, consider elements such as:

• conflict;
• pacing;
• red herrings;
• atmosphere; and
• high stakes.

A red herring is a clue in a story that misleads readers.

The source also introduces the term MacGuffin, described in relation to Hitchcock as a deliberately irrelevant clue. Examples given include the diamonds in To Catch a Thief, the body in Rope, and another body in The Trouble with Harry.

21. How to Analyse a Passage for Style

Use a step-by-step approach instead of trying to identify every feature simultaneously.

1. Read the passage for overall meaning.
2. Circle important word choices. These provide clues about diction.
3. Notice sentence construction. Examine how sentences are structured.
4. Listen for tone. Identify feelings, opinions or stance revealed through the language.
5. Identify point of view. Ask from what perspective the narrator presents the story.
6. Look for figurative language. Identify non-literal expressions and consider their contribution.
7. Notice narrative devices. Consider humour, suspense, red herrings or other devices supported by the text.
8. Explain the effect. Do not only name the device; explain how it enhances meaning.

22. A Short Practice Paragraph

Read this illustrative paragraph:

“The house was silent. Kojo walked slowly towards the door, listening to every sound. He laughed nervously and whispered, ‘Nothing can happen here.’ Yet the darkness beyond the doorway seemed to watch him.”

Now consider the language and style:

• Diction: Words such as “silent,” “slowly,” “nervously” and “darkness” contribute to the presentation.
• Tone: The language reveals nervousness and uncertainty.
• Sentence structure: The sequence of short sentences contributes to the movement of the passage.
• Figurative language: The darkness is presented as if it can “watch” Kojo.
• Suspense: The character’s nervous movement and the unexplained darkness encourage anticipation.

Key lesson: The analysis becomes stronger when each observation is connected to specific words or features in the passage.

23. Create Your Own Paragraph

Write a short paragraph using selected elements of style and language.

You may focus on:

• descriptive language;
• short, simple sentences;
• exaggeration;
• proverbs; or
• another appropriate element introduced in the lesson.

After writing, identify the style and language elements you used and explain how they contribute to the meaning of your paragraph.

24. Character Analysis Activity

Choose a character from a prescribed text and organise your observations under these headings:

Character Analysis Area	What to Record
Identity	Name and role in the story.
Physical traits	Physical characteristics supported by the text.
Actions	Important actions and behaviour.
Relationships	Important relationships with other characters.
Development	Whether and how the character changes.
Social reflection	What aspect of context or society the character may help reveal.

25. Group Challenge: Character and Theme

Work with classmates to identify characters and themes in a prescribed text.

1. Identify the major characters.
2. Identify important minor characters where relevant.
3. Classify characters according to the types introduced.
4. Identify the major and sub-themes.
5. Develop general themes into thematic statements.
6. Examine how the characters reflect context and society.
7. Present your findings orally or in writing.

During discussion, ask whether some characters are more convincing than others and explain why. Different interpretations can be discussed respectfully when they are supported by the text.

26. Act It Out

Prepare a 10–15-minute sketch depicting the characters studied in a selected text.

After the performance, discuss:

• which characters were represented;
• what character types they illustrate;
• what themes their actions help reveal; and
• what aspects of context or society the characters reflect.

27. Check Your Understanding

Recall

1. Define character.
2. Define theme.
3. What is a protagonist?
4. What is an antagonist?
5. What is a foil?
6. What is a rounded character?
7. What is a flat or one-dimensional character?
8. What is diction?
9. What is tone?
10. What is figurative language?

Answers

1. A character is an individual who plays a role in a literary work.
2. Theme is a central idea in a literary work and reflects what happens in society.
3. A protagonist is the main character from whose perspective the story is often seen and in whom readers are most invested.
4. An antagonist is a character or group of characters that opposes the main character.
5. A foil is an opposing character whose actions and attitudes generally highlight the main qualities of the protagonist.
6. A rounded character develops or changes in behaviour as the plot unfolds and has a complex, multi-sided nature.
7. A flat or one-dimensional character does not change too much from the beginning of the narrative to its end.
8. Diction is the choice of words a writer uses to convey an idea, a point of view or to tell a story.
9. Tone is the revelation of feelings, opinions and stance through choice of words.
10. Figurative language is the non-literal use of language that emphasises, clarifies and embellishes written and spoken language.

Conceptual Understanding

Question: Mention methods or strategies you can use when analysing characters and themes.

Answer: You can identify the character and role, examine physical traits and actions, observe character development, identify themes, examine the development of main and sub-themes, turn general themes into thematic statements, and consider how characters and themes reflect context and society.

Strategic Reasoning

Question: How can you use a character analysis graphic organiser?

Answer: Use it to organise evidence about the character’s identity, physical traits, actions, relationships, development and connection to context or society. The organiser helps you move from scattered observations to a structured interpretation.

Extended Critical Thinking

Question: Prove how a character can be both good and bad.

Answer: Select evidence showing qualities or actions that can be viewed positively and evidence showing qualities or actions that can be viewed negatively. Explain both sides and show how they contribute to the character’s complexity.

28. Language and Style Assessment

Question: Identify at least two elements of language used in a selected text.

Answer: Possible elements include diction, sentence structure, tone, point of view and figurative language. The answer should identify the elements present in the selected text and support them with textual evidence.

Question: How can humour and suspense enhance meaning?

Answer: Examine how the devices affect the reader’s experience and connect them to evidence from the prescribed text. For suspense, consider conflict, pacing, red herrings, atmosphere and high stakes where the text supports them.

29. Final Synthesis

Characters, themes, language and style are connected parts of fictional prose.

Characters give human form to the experiences represented in a story. Themes express central ideas that can reflect what happens in society. Language and style shape how those experiences and ideas are communicated.

When analysing a fictional text, therefore, move through three useful questions:

1. Who is presented? — Examine characters.
2. What central idea emerges? — Examine themes.
3. How has the writer communicated it? — Examine language and style.

Good literary analysis connects these observations to evidence from the text. This allows you to explain not only what a fictional work contains, but also how its characters, themes, language and style work together to create meaning.