In literature, characters often reveal who they are not through long descriptions but by what they say (dialogue) and do (actions). This technique, known as indirect characterization, invites readers to infer a character’s traits, motivations, and even hidden conflicts without being told directly. Let’s explore how dialogue and actions bring characters to life, with a focus on concepts like subtext, internal conflict, and body language.

How Dialogue Shapes Characters

Dialogue isn’t just about exchanging information. What a character says—and how they say it—can reveal their tone, values, and emotional state. It also provides clues to their character motivations. Consider the following excerpt:

Excerpt 1:

“I don’t need anyone’s help,” Liam snapped, his jaw tightening as he shoved the broken bike chain into his backpack. “I’ll fix it myself.”

In this brief exchange, Liam’s dialogue reveals his stubbornness and independence. His choice of words (“don’t need”) and his tone (indicated by “snapped”) convey frustration and pride. Meanwhile, his body language—the tightening jaw and shoving motion—suggests deeper emotions, such as insecurity or fear of appearing weak.

Analysis:

This example illustrates indirect characterization by showing us Liam’s traits through his actions and dialogue. His internal conflict—a struggle to balance pride and vulnerability—emerges subtly, making him relatable. When authors reveal these layers, they help readers connect to the characters on a deeper level.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Sometimes, a character’s actions reveal truths they might not admit aloud. These actions can symbolize internal struggles or even expose hidden aspects of their personality.

Excerpt 2:

Emily’s hand hovered over the send button. Her breath caught as she stared at the apology she had written. Three drafts, hours of pacing, and now her thumb shook as if every pixel carried the weight of her pride.

In this scene, Emily’s hesitation communicates far more than her words might. The physical act of hovering and her trembling thumb symbolize her internal conflict. The apology becomes a symbol of her vulnerability and the emotional struggle she faces to reconcile her pride with the need to make amends.

Analysis:

By focusing on Emily’s actions, the author gives us insight into her emotional state without stating it outright. This is a hallmark of indirect characterization: readers must interpret her behavior to uncover her motivations. Such moments deepen our understanding of characters while encouraging critical thinking.

Combining Dialogue and Actions

When authors combine dialogue with actions, they create a richer, more layered portrayal of a character. Consider this emotional exchange between two siblings:

Excerpt 3:

“You can’t just leave like this,” Sophie said, clutching the edge of the doorframe. Her voice wavered, but her grip stayed firm. “We need you.”

Jack slung his bag over his shoulder, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You’ll be fine. You always are.” He didn’t turn around.

Analysis:

Sophie’s dialogue reveals her desperation through the plea, “We need you,” while her body language (clutching the doorframe) symbolizes her unwillingness to let go. Her tone, described as “wavering,” adds vulnerability. Jack’s response, on the other hand, reflects emotional detachment. His clipped words and refusal to meet Sophie’s gaze indicate his reluctance to face her feelings—or perhaps his own.

This interaction uses both subtext and conflict to highlight their relationship dynamic: Sophie is clinging to their bond, while Jack is trying to distance himself. Readers are left to infer the motivations driving their actions, which creates intrigue.

Dialogue and Subtext: What’s Left Unsaid

In real life, people don’t always say exactly what they mean—and neither do characters. This gap between spoken words and true feelings creates subtext, a layer of meaning beneath the surface that sharpens emotional depth.

Excerpt 4:

“I’m happy for you,” Clara said, her smile tight as she avoided Ava’s gaze. She smoothed the edges of her dress, her fingers trembling slightly.

At first glance, Clara’s words appear supportive. But her body language—the tight smile, trembling fingers, and avoidance of eye contact—reveals her true feelings. The subtext here is envy or insecurity; perhaps Ava’s success reminds Clara of her own perceived failures.

Analysis:

By leaving Clara’s emotions unspoken, the author engages readers in interpreting the clues. This technique not only deepens Clara’s characterization but also highlights the complexity of her internal conflict. Such moments encourage readers to look beyond the obvious and explore the emotional layers of a story.

Case Study: Relationships Through Conflict

Conflict, whether internal or external, is a powerful tool for character development. It reveals what matters to characters and tests their relationships.

Excerpt 5:

“You always do this!” Marcus shouted, throwing his notebook onto the table. “Every time something doesn’t go your way, you just quit.”

Jordan crossed his arms, his face a storm cloud. “At least I don’t waste my time on things that don’t matter.”

“They don’t matter to you!” Marcus’s voice cracked. “But they matter to me.” He grabbed the notebook and stormed out.

Analysis:

This argument uses dialogue and body language to depict both characters’ emotions and their external conflict. Marcus’s shouting, cracking voice, and act of storming out reveal his passion and frustration. Jordan’s defensive posture and dismissive words show his resistance to engaging deeply.

The subtext here lies in what the characters don’t say: Jordan might feel guilty for not valuing what Marcus cares about, while Marcus’s outburst suggests a deeper need for validation. Their argument adds emotional stakes to the story, making readers wonder whether their friendship can survive this clash.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding characters through their dialogue and actions is an essential skill for analyzing literature. By paying attention to indirect characterization, readers learn to infer characters’ traits, motivations, and relationships. This not only enhances comprehension but also builds empathy, as we see the world through the characters’ perspectives.

Practice: Your Turn

Write your own short scene using indirect characterization. Focus on how your characters’ dialogue, actions, and subtext reveal their personalities and conflicts. Consider incorporating moments of internal conflict or symbolism to add depth.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll sharpen your ability to analyze literature and craft compelling stories. Happy exploring!

By now, you’re likely familiar with the concept of internal conflict—those battles within a character that arise from competing desires, values, or fears. But understanding internal conflict is just the beginning. In this reading, we’ll dig deeper into how internal struggles are layered, interwoven with external circumstances, and how they ripple outward to influence not just the characters but the people and world around them.

To build on your knowledge, let’s explore three key ideas:

• How internal conflict interacts with external forces.
• The cascading effects of unresolved internal conflict.
• Techniques authors use to depict internal struggles.

Internal vs. External Conflict: The Push-and-Pull

While internal conflict is often personal and psychological, it rarely exists in isolation. The most compelling stories pit a character’s inner turmoil against external forces, creating a push-and-pull dynamic. This interplay shapes the character’s journey and can intensify the stakes.

Example: Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Frodo’s internal conflict—the growing weight of bearing the One Ring—clashes with the external forces that seek to take it from him. His internal doubts and struggles with the Ring’s corrupting power make him vulnerable to external threats like Gollum and Sauron’s forces.

Analysis:

Frodo’s internal and external conflicts feed into each other. His inner battle to resist the Ring’s influence weakens his resolve, making the external threats more dangerous. At the same time, these external pressures exacerbate his inner struggle, showing how tightly interconnected the two types of conflict can be.

The Domino Effect: How Internal Struggles Ripple Out

Characters’ internal conflicts don’t just affect their actions—they often set off a chain reaction, influencing the story’s events and relationships. Unresolved internal struggles can lead to destructive decisions, misunderstandings, or even tragedy.

Example: Okonkwo (Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe)

Okonkwo’s internal conflict stems from his fear of appearing weak, like his father. This fear drives him to act with excessive pride and harshness, pushing others away and isolating him within his community.

Analysis:

Okonkwo’s refusal to confront his internal fears ripples outward. His rigid adherence to strength alienates his family and leads to impulsive actions, like the accidental killing that exiles him. Ultimately, his inability to reconcile his internal conflict with his changing world results in his tragic downfall.

This domino effect highlights how unresolved internal struggles can escalate, shaping not just the character’s arc but the broader narrative.

Techniques Authors Use to Depict Internal Struggles

To bring internal conflict to life, authors use specific techniques that allow readers to see and feel the struggle. Here are some common methods:

1. Interior Monologue

A character’s inner thoughts are presented directly, giving readers insight into their emotional state and decision-making process.

Example: In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses soliloquies to show Hamlet’s indecision and philosophical debates with himself.

2. Symbolism

Objects, settings, or recurring imagery are used to represent a character’s internal conflict.

Example: In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne’s embroidered “A” symbolizes her guilt and defiance, reflecting her complex inner turmoil.

3. Contrasting Actions

A character’s behavior may contradict their internal feelings, creating tension between what they want to do and what they actually do.

Example: In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy’s reserved behavior belies his growing affection for Elizabeth Bennet, revealing his internal struggle with societal expectations.

4. Dialogue with Subtext

Characters may say one thing but mean another, allowing their internal conflict to emerge through what is left unsaid.

Example: In A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Blanche’s polite but evasive dialogue hints at her insecurities and the trauma she hides.

5. Repetition and Motifs

Repeated phrases, images, or ideas emphasize a character’s ongoing inner conflict.

Example: In Macbeth, the recurring imagery of blood symbolizes Macbeth’s guilt and his inability to cleanse himself of his crimes.

How Internal Struggles Reflect Broader Themes

Internal conflicts often symbolize larger societal or philosophical questions, making them essential to a story’s deeper meaning. Here are some examples:

Example: Offred (The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood)

Offred’s internal conflict between survival and resistance reflects the broader theme of oppression. Her internal struggle to maintain her identity under a totalitarian regime highlights universal questions about freedom, autonomy, and the human spirit.

Example: Santiago (The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway)

Santiago’s internal conflict between pride and humility mirrors the broader theme of human endurance. His struggle to reconcile his love for the marlin with his need to conquer it speaks to the tension between respect for nature and the human drive for achievement.

Frameworks for Advanced Analysis

To deepen your understanding of internal conflict, consider these advanced frameworks:

Psychological Lens

How do a character’s internal struggles reflect psychological theories, such as Freud’s concepts of the id, ego, and superego?

Example: In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Ralph’s conflict between maintaining order and succumbing to savagery reflects the tension between societal expectations (ego) and primal instincts (id).

Historical and Cultural Context

How does a character’s internal conflict reflect the time period or culture in which the story is set?

Example: In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s inner turmoil mirrors the tension between traditional Igbo culture and the forces of colonization.

Philosophical and Existential Themes

How does the character’s internal struggle address existential questions, such as the search for meaning or the inevitability of death?

Example: In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov’s guilt and rationalization of murder explore questions of morality, justice, and human nature.

Final Thoughts

Internal conflict isn’t just about what happens in a character’s mind—it’s about how that struggle interacts with external forces, sets off consequences, and reflects deeper themes. Authors use a range of techniques to depict these conflicts, making their characters complex and relatable. By examining how these struggles unfold and how they connect to the story’s larger messages, you’ll unlock a richer understanding of literature and its reflection of the human experience.

In literature, the most memorable characters are often defined not just by their thoughts and actions but by how they interact with others. Dialogue—the spoken exchanges between characters—is a powerful tool for revealing motivations, advancing conflicts, and deepening relationships. What a character says (and how they say it) can expose hidden fears, desires, or tensions, while also creating opportunities for growth.

This reading will explore how dialogue shapes interpersonal dynamics in fiction, focusing on its role in advancing relationships, uncovering conflicts, and driving character development. Along the way, we’ll analyze examples from literature to illustrate these concepts.

The Power of Dialogue

Dialogue is more than words on a page. It reflects a character’s personality, values, and emotions while adding complexity to their relationships. Through subtext (what is implied rather than stated), tone, and even silences, dialogue can reveal layers of meaning that go beyond the surface.

Key Purposes of Dialogue:

• Reveal Relationships: Dialogue can show the closeness, tension, or changing dynamics between characters.
• Expose Conflicts: A single conversation can bring hidden disagreements or emotions to light.
• Advance Growth: Characters often evolve through their interactions, learning or changing as a result of what is said—or unsaid.

How Dialogue Reveals Relationships

Conversations between characters often reveal the dynamics of their relationships, from trust and intimacy to mistrust and distance. These exchanges can show not just how characters feel about each other, but how those feelings evolve.

Example: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

In Austen’s classic novel, the dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy reveals the shifting nature of their relationship, from initial misunderstandings to eventual mutual respect and love.

Excerpt:

“From the very beginning—from the first moment, I may almost say—of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike.”

Analysis:

Elizabeth’s sharp words reflect her initial judgment of Darcy, portraying her wit and confidence but also her prejudice. The directness of her speech contrasts with Darcy’s more reserved responses earlier in the novel, highlighting their opposing personalities. As their relationship develops, subsequent conversations soften, reflecting how their understanding of each other deepens. This evolving dialogue mirrors their growth as individuals and their journey toward connection.

Dialogue as a Window into Conflict

Dialogue is a key way for authors to expose conflicts, both internal and external. A heated exchange, a subtle accusation, or even an awkward silence can reveal unspoken tensions.

Example: Ralph and Jack (Lord of the Flies by William Golding)

In Lord of the Flies, the dialogue between Ralph and Jack highlights their competing leadership styles and growing animosity.

Excerpt:

“You’re a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!” Ralph screamed.

“You’re a coward and a weakling,” Jack replied, his voice low but menacing. “And that’s why you’ll never survive.”

Analysis:

This exchange lays bare the power struggle between the two boys. Ralph’s escalating anger and emotional language reflect his desperation to maintain order, while Jack’s measured but cutting reply demonstrates his growing dominance. The dialogue captures the fracture in their relationship and foreshadows the chaos that will follow.

Subtext: What’s Left Unsaid

Some of the most powerful dialogue in fiction isn’t about what characters say outright—it’s about what they imply. Subtext allows readers to read between the lines, uncovering hidden motivations, fears, or desires.

Example: Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In The Great Gatsby, conversations between Gatsby and Daisy are often laced with longing and regret, much of which remains unspoken.

Excerpt:

“I want to wait here till Daisy goes to bed. Good night, old sport.”

He put his hand in his coat pocket and turned back eagerly to Daisy, who was sitting frightened but graceful on the edge of a stiff chair.

Analysis:

Here, Gatsby’s words seem casual, but his actions and tone reveal his deeper motives. His eagerness to remain close to Daisy reflects his desire to rekindle their past, while Daisy’s body language (“frightened but graceful”) suggests her uncertainty and discomfort. The subtext of their dialogue hints at the impossibility of recreating the idealized past Gatsby longs for.

Driving Growth Through Dialogue

Dialogue is often the catalyst for a character’s growth. Conversations challenge characters’ beliefs, expose their flaws, and force them to confront their fears.

Example: Huck and Jim (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain)

In Twain’s novel, the evolving dialogue between Huck and Jim reflects Huck’s changing perception of race and morality.

Excerpt:

“But I didn’t do it straight off, but laid the paddle down. I was a-trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: ‘All right, then, I’ll go to hell’—and tore it up.”

Analysis:

Huck’s dialogue with himself and his earlier conversations with Jim lead to this pivotal moment of moral growth. Through their exchanges, Huck comes to see Jim as a friend and equal rather than a slave. His decision to help Jim escape—despite believing it’s wrong—shows how their dialogue has transformed his values.

Techniques for Richer Dialogue

Authors use a variety of techniques to make dialogue more meaningful and impactful. Let’s explore a few:

1. Contrasting Speech Styles

Characters with different speaking patterns—formal vs. casual, blunt vs. evasive—highlight personality differences.

Example: In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Lennie’s simple, childlike speech contrasts with George’s practical and sharp tone, emphasizing their unique bond.

2. Interruptions and Overlaps

Characters interrupting or speaking over each other can create tension or reveal power dynamics.

Example: In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the Youngers’ overlapping dialogue during family arguments reflects their conflicting dreams and frustrations.

3. Silence and Pauses

What characters don’t say can be as telling as what they do. Pauses create subtext and tension.

Example: In Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman’s silences often signify his internal struggle and growing disconnect from reality.

4. Dialect and Word Choice

Characters’ word choices and speech patterns can reflect their background, social class, or emotional state.

Example: In Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, the use of Southern dialect grounds the characters in their cultural context and makes their voices authentic.

Final Thoughts

Dialogue is more than just conversation—it’s a lens into the relationships, conflicts, and growth that define a story. By paying close attention to how characters speak and what they say (or don’t say), readers can uncover hidden depths and better understand the dynamics at play.

As you read and analyze literature, challenge yourself to listen closely to the dialogue. You’ll find that every word carries weight, shaping the characters and their world in profound ways.

In storytelling, dialogue often gets the spotlight, but sometimes, what characters don’t say is just as important as what they do. A glance, a gesture, or a decisive act can reveal depths about a character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships. These non-verbal actions—body language, choices, and behaviors—allow authors to convey meaning without a single spoken word.

This reading explores how actions drive character development, providing examples of how body language, decisions, and behaviors contribute to a narrative. Through this lens, we’ll examine the subtle but powerful ways actions tell a story.

Why Actions Matter

Actions are a form of indirect characterization, meaning that readers infer a character’s personality or emotions based on what they do, rather than being told directly. This technique creates depth and engages the audience, as they must interpret the meaning behind a character’s behaviors.

Key Roles of Actions in Storytelling:

• Revealing Emotions: Body language can expose feelings that words can’t express.
• Driving the Plot: Decisions and behaviors often propel the story forward.
• Building Relationships: Actions show how characters interact with others.

The Language of Body Language

A character’s body language can communicate emotions, intentions, or inner conflict without any spoken dialogue. Subtle gestures and expressions offer clues about what they’re feeling or hiding.

Example: Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

In the courtroom scene, Atticus Finch’s calm and deliberate movements contrast sharply with the emotional chaos around him, reflecting his inner strength and resolve.

Excerpt:

“But I saw something only a lawyer’s child could be expected to see, could be expected to watch for, and it was like watching Atticus walk into the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder, and pull the trigger, but watching all the time knowing that the gun was empty.”

Analysis:

Atticus’s controlled actions—steady pacing, calm voice, and deliberate gestures—symbolize his determination and quiet courage. Even when the odds are against him, his body language conveys a quiet dignity and unwavering moral resolve, making his presence impactful without the need for dramatic words.

Decisions Define Characters

Sometimes, a character’s actions speak louder than their words because they reveal what they value most. These pivotal moments—where choices are made under pressure—define who a character truly is.

Example: Jean Valjean (Les Misérables by Victor Hugo)

Jean Valjean’s decision to reveal his identity as an escaped convict, even when it risks his newfound freedom, is a defining moment of his moral transformation.

Excerpt:

“He stood still for a moment, gazing at the paper, weighing the final step he was about to take. Then, with a deep breath, he handed it back and said, ‘My name is Jean Valjean.’”

Analysis:

This action reveals Valjean’s internal conflict and resolution. By choosing honesty and responsibility over self-preservation, he demonstrates his growth as a character. The act of stepping forward—without a single dramatic outburst—solidifies his moral courage and self-redefinition.

Behavior Builds Relationships

Characters’ actions toward one another reveal their bonds, tensions, and changes over time. These behaviors often show more about a relationship than words ever could.

Example: George and Lennie (Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck)

Throughout the novel, George’s protective actions toward Lennie highlight the depth of their friendship and the sacrifices George makes for Lennie’s well-being.

Excerpt:

“George reached into his pocket and brought out Carlson’s Luger; he snapped off the safety, and the hand and gun lay on the ground behind Lennie’s back. He looked at the back of Lennie’s head, at the place where the spine and skull were joined.”

Analysis:

This heartbreaking act shows George’s ultimate sacrifice to protect Lennie from a worse fate. His trembling hand and pained expression reveal his anguish without words. George’s action is an act of mercy born from love, emphasizing their bond in the most difficult moment of their relationship.

Silence as a Tool for Tension

Silence and inaction can be as revealing as physical gestures. When a character chooses not to act or speak, the absence of action can create tension and invite readers to question their motives.

Example: Bartleby (Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville)

Bartleby’s repeated refusal to engage with the world—his simple statement, “I would prefer not to”—is a powerful form of inaction that defines his character.

Excerpt:

“Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance. If the individual so resisted be of a not inhumane temper, and the resisting one perfectly harmless in his passivity, then, in the better moods of the former, he will endeavor charitably to construe to his imagination what proves impossible to be solved by his judgment.”

Analysis:

Bartleby’s passive defiance confounds those around him, making his silence and refusal a central part of his character. His inaction forces others—particularly the narrator—to confront their assumptions and humanity, showing how even the absence of action can reveal depth.

Techniques for Interpreting Actions

When analyzing a character’s actions, consider these techniques to uncover deeper meaning:

1. Contrasting Actions

Look for moments where a character’s behavior contrasts with their usual demeanor.

Example: A typically brave character hesitating before a crucial decision can signal fear or doubt.

2. Symbolic Gestures

Actions often carry symbolic meaning, representing larger ideas or emotions.

Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss’s act of volunteering as tribute symbolizes her love and selflessness.

3. Patterns of Behavior

Repeated actions can highlight a character’s defining traits or ongoing struggles.

Example: In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s habit of running away reflects his fear of growing up and facing reality.

4. Interpreting Context

Consider the context in which the action occurs—what external pressures or internal conflicts influence the character’s choice?

Example: In The Kite Runner, Amir’s decision to return to Afghanistan reflects his desire for redemption and closure.

Final Thoughts

Actions often speak louder than words in literature. From a quiet gesture to a decisive moment, these non-verbal elements reveal characters’ inner worlds, advance the plot, and build relationships. By paying attention to what characters do—and what they don’t do—you’ll discover new depths in the stories you read.

In the silence of a character’s actions, entire stories unfold, proving that sometimes, the loudest statements are made without a single word.

Objective:

Students will analyze a character’s motivations, internal conflicts, and development over time and represent their findings through a creative infographic.

Project Steps:

1. Character Analysis:

   Students select a character from the class reading or an independent text. Using a worksheet or brainstorming template, they analyze the character by focusing on: background, motivations, internal conflicts, external conflicts, key moments, and relationships. Findings are organized into categories for the infographic.

2. Design and Drafting:

   Students sketch or outline their infographic, deciding how to visually represent the character’s development. Sections may include: an introduction, motivations and goals, internal vs. external conflicts, a character arc (timeline or symbolic path), and relationships and influences. Visual elements such as icons, metaphors, and color schemes will be incorporated.

3. Creation of the Final Infographic:

   Using tools like Canva or traditional materials, students create their final infographic. It must include concise explanations, creative design, and connections between motivations and conflicts to key story moments.

4. Presentation and Reflection:

   Students present their infographics in a gallery walk or class presentation, explaining their design choices and how these reflect the character’s development. A short written reflection may be included to share insights from the process.

Objective:

Students will combine characters from two different stories to imagine how they would interact in a shared setting. By crafting dialogue and actions, they will explore the dynamics of clashing or complementary personalities.

Project Steps:

1. Character Selection and Analysis:

   Students choose two characters from different texts. Analyze each character’s traits, motivations, and conflicts. Consider how their values, personalities, or themes might align or clash.

2. Establishing a Shared Setting and Scenario:

   Students select or invent a setting where the characters might meet (e.g., a café, a fantasy marketplace, or a survival scenario). Define the context of the meeting, including the circumstances and shared goal or problem.

3. Writing the Scene:

   Students write a dialogue-driven scene (300-500 words) that includes: character-specific dialogue, actions that reflect subtext or hidden feelings, and a moment of conflict or collaboration. The scene should conclude with a resolution or leave room for interpretation.

4. Presentation and Discussion:

   Students present their scenes through a dramatic reading, performance, or written sharing. They explain how the characters’ traits influenced the dialogue and interaction, and reflect on what they discovered about the characters through this exercise.