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Roberts on Character -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)
What characters do is our best clue to understanding what they are.
I love it when writers leave it up to the reader to determine the truth about a character, and I think that the method of character development Roberts points out here is indeed the best. When writers simply tell you what a character does, they usually give a clearly implied reference to one of the character's traits or motives; however, it is up to the reader to determine how strong or weak that trait or motive is, as well as how it relates to and effects other traits or motives the character may develop throughout the story. This gives readers a lot of room to form their own personal interpretation of a character.
Comments
Like Chris, I find it much more enjoyable when an author allows the reader to develop their own interpretations. I feel there is a kind of respect between author and reader since the author trusts that each reader will be able to use his or her own perspective to create meaning for the character.
Posted by: Jennifer DiFulvio | February 6, 2006 1:31 PM