Narrative and Dialogue in Literature
Narrative and Dialogue
Types of Characters
The protagonist is the main character in a narrative. The narrative focuses on their actions and experiences. The antagonist is the character who opposes the actions of the protagonist. Other characters in the narrative are considered secondary characters.
Characterization
Each character is a creation of the author, often based on real-life individuals. The writer develops the character throughout the story, revealing their personality and motivations. This is achieved through various methods:
- Description: The author uses physical or psychological descriptions to portray the character, allowing the reader to visualize them.
- Actions: The character’s behavior and reactions provide insights into their personality.
- Dialogue: The character’s words, conversations, and ideas reveal their intentions and thoughts.
Dialogue
Dialogue is a form of communication where two or more people exchange information, alternating between speaking and listening.
Types of Dialogue
- Spontaneous Dialogue: An improvised, informal conversation, such as a casual chat between friends.
- Organized Dialogue: Includes debates and panel discussions.
- Debate: A structured discussion on a predetermined topic, aiming to reach a consensus.
- Panel Discussion: Experts share and discuss their views on a specific subject.
- Informal Discussion: A more spontaneous and less structured conversation than a debate or panel discussion.
- Interview: A formal dialogue where one person seeks information from another.
Dialogue in Stories
- Direct Dialogue: The characters’ words are presented verbatim, as they were spoken or thought.
- Indirect Dialogue: The narrator summarizes the character’s words without quoting them directly.
- Summarized Dialogue: The narrator condenses the dialogue, focusing on the main points rather than the specific words.
Dialogue in Theater
- Dramatic Discourse: The words spoken by the characters on stage, primarily in the form of dialogue.
- Monologue: A speech delivered by a single character, often revealing their inner thoughts.
- Aside: A comment made by a character that is not heard by other characters on stage.
- Stage Directions: Instructions from the author to the director and actors regarding the staging and performance.
Lazarillo de Tormes
Lazarillo de Tormes, first published in 1554, is a Spanish novella of unknown authorship. It tells the story of Lázaro, a young boy who endures hardships while serving various masters. The novel is structured as an autobiographical letter, where Lázaro recounts his life experiences. It is considered a pioneering work in the development of the realist and modern novel, offering social critique and exploring the themes of hypocrisy and survival.
Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright. He is best known for his masterpiece, Don Quixote. Cervantes had a diverse literary career, writing in various genres. His works include pastoral novels, plays, and short stories. Don Quixote, published in two parts (1605 and 1615), is considered a foundational work in Western literature, influencing the development of the novel form.