Fictional character facts for kids

A fictional character is like a person or an animal that exists in a story. You can find them in books, plays, TV shows, or movies. Sometimes, a character is completely made up. Other times, they might be based on a real person. Characters help us understand the story. They also make us think about the ideas in the story.

What is a Fictional Character?

The word "character" comes from an old Greek word, "charaktēr." It became popular in English around 1749. Later, it also started to mean a part played by an actor. When an actor plays a character, they try to make it seem like a real person.

Actors and writers use something called characterisation to create these characters. This means they develop how the character looks, acts, and thinks. When an actor plays a role very well, we say they are "in character."

Character as Personality

The word character can also mean someone's personality. If someone has a "strong character," it means they are confident and determined. You might also hear someone say, "He is a real character." This means the person is very unique and memorable.

Special Character Roles

In plays or movies, a character role is a person in the story with a very specific personality. These roles are often different from the main characters. For example, a story might have two main characters who are in love. The character roles could be a wicked step-mother, a kind nurse, or a wise old man. They help make the story interesting and often add humor or drama.

Images for kids

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  Four commedia dell'arte characters. Their clothes and actions show the type of roles they play in this kind of theatre.

See also

In Spanish: Personaje para niños