Character comparisons

Characteristics of characters differ depending on the genre of novel. In a fictional novel there is a protagonist and an antagonist who conflict with each other in the novel to illuminate characteristics of the two characters. There can be a narrator to also reveal characteristics as well. Furthermore, there can also be external or internal conflicts. Main characters commonly change or grow as the story moves along- these stories are referred to as coming-of-age stories. For example, in Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennett serves as a coming-of-age character because of her maturity grows and simply because she is only 20-21 years old. In a dramatic novel there are also components to illuminate characteristics of characters by having the characters speak dialogue since there is no narrator. There are three major components of dramatic novels that reveal character: (1) the content  of the dialogue (2) the delivery of the lines and stage directions (3) and the response and reaction from other characters. For example, in Hamlet, dialogue between Hamlet and Claudius reveal how the delivery of the different characters lines reflect their characteristics as characters. Hamlet uses short sentences to answer Claudius while Claudius uses long and elaborate answers.