Types of Characters in Novels

You can’t have a story without characters. Readers pick up a book to follow along on a character’s journey. We love characters, hate them, and wish they were our real-life besties. We wouldn’t be nearly invested in a story if we didn’t connect with the characters. Each story has a cast of characters with their own roles. Check out a few of the most common types of characters found in novels.

Protagonist

The protagonist takes center stage in a story. It is the main character that readers follow. Readers care about the protagonist and their story, rooting for them as they navigate plot twists. This character moves the plot along with their decisions and actions. Though the protagonist is at the heart of the story, they don’t have to be the narrator. The protagonist defines the roles of the other characters.

Antagonist

The antagonist is often the character we love to hate. They oppose the protagonist, looking for ways to interfere with their goals and journey. In many instances, the antagonist is the villain of the story. However, they sometimes can be anti-villains. These characters play a major role in the story. Even if they aren’t seen very often, they help to drive the plot, making them a critical part of the story.

Deuteragonist

This character often plays the role of the sidekick in the story. You can’t have Poirot without Hastings, and you can’t have Holmes without Watson. Deuteragonists aren’t the main characters, but they have close proximity to them. The deuteragonist is featured frequently throughout the book and accompanies the protagonist on their journey. Though these characters are typically friends of the protagonist, they can be on the side of the villain.

Tertiary Characters

These characters are like extras in a movie. They’re in the background and come and go quickly. They may only be in a few scenes or even just one. However, these characters are necessary to make the story authentic. Everyday we come in contact with people that play a small role in our life—a barista or receptionist for example. They may be brief interactions, but they contribute to our story, and these characters do the same for the protagonist.

Love Interest

Many stories feature a love story. Sometimes it’s the main focus of a book, and other times it’s a subplot. Either way, you can’t have a love story without a love interest. These characters can also be a deuteragonist. They can be a friend of the protagonist, someone they meet on their journey, or even a foe who turns into a love interest. Though the character serves as a love interest, they can contribute to the plot in other ways as well.

Characters make stories emotional and relatable. When we find a character we really connect with, we become invested in their journey. From protagonists to antagonists, each character plays a part in crafting a memorable story. Characters often give us the chance to see the creativity of the author and sometimes even a glimpse into their personality.