Can Characters Be Themes? Exploring the Depths of Storytelling

Understanding Characters as Themes in Storytelling

Well, here's a thought: Can characters actually be themes? I mean, we often think of themes as abstract ideas like love, betrayal, or courage, right? But what if a character themselves could embody a theme? Honestly, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Characters are central to any story, and if they are well-developed, they can absolutely represent larger themes in powerful ways.

I was recently discussing this with my friend Claire, who's a writer. We were talking about how some of the most memorable characters in literature—think of someone like Hamlet or Jay Gatsby—are not just individuals; they are the themes they represent. So, let's dive into this idea of characters being themes.

Characters as Symbols of Larger Themes

The Symbolic Role of a Character

Honestly, this might sound a bit theoretical, but hear me out. When you create a character, especially in a novel or a screenplay, they often become more than just a person in the plot. They can symbolize a central idea or moral lesson that ties the entire story together. For example, in Moby-Dick, Captain Ahab is not just a person hunting a whale; he is the embodiment of obsession. His character represents the theme of obsession and revenge, and through him, Herman Melville explores the dangers of becoming consumed by a singular goal.

I had a similar moment while writing my own short story. At first, my character seemed like just a regular guy, but as the plot developed, I realized he was representing a deeper theme of alienation. The more I pushed his story forward, the more I saw how his actions and thoughts were showcasing what it felt like to be disconnected from the world around him.

Classic Examples: Hamlet and Gatsby

Take Hamlet for instance. Hamlet isn’t just a prince—he’s a symbol of existential doubt and moral conflict. His journey through indecision and tragedy speaks volumes about the human condition. Shakespeare didn't just create Hamlet as a person; he made him a theme about human complexity and the paralysis that often comes with too much thinking.

Similarly, Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby embodies the theme of the American Dream. Gatsby’s character and his actions, driven by his pursuit of wealth and love, showcase the theme of idealism and the disillusionment that often follows it. His entire life is a representation of the highs and lows of striving for something that ultimately remains out of reach.

Characters' Internal Struggles as Themes

Internal Conflicts as Representation of Larger Ideas

Okay, this is where it gets even more interesting. A character’s internal struggles can directly represent a larger theme. For example, the classic theme of good vs. evil doesn’t always have to be portrayed by external conflicts; it can manifest through a character’s internal conflict. Think about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The battle between Dr. Jekyll’s moral self and his darker alter-ego, Mr. Hyde, is not just about a person’s split personality—it's a metaphor for the dual nature of humanity. The character, in this case, is the theme itself.

I think about a personal experience while reading Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein's obsessive pursuit of scientific knowledge becomes an illustration of hubris and consequences of playing God. His internal conflict between his ambition and the responsibility for his creation is the heart of the novel’s theme of the dangers of unchecked scientific power.

Characters and Social Themes

Another angle to explore is how characters represent social themes. Characters often embody the struggles and values of the societies they come from. Take To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch isn’t just a lawyer; he represents the fight for justice in a racially divided society. His character speaks to the larger social theme of racism and moral integrity, which is central to the novel.

In a recent chat with my friend Raj, we discussed how modern protagonists often embody the theme of social justice, especially in young adult literature. Characters who fight against societal norms or discrimination often represent a theme that speaks directly to contemporary issues like equality, freedom, and change.

How Characters Shape the Theme Through Actions

Actions Over Words: Letting Characters Speak Through Their Choices

Honestly, the most profound way characters embody themes is through their actions. It’s not always about what they say, but what they do. In many stories, characters’ actions drive the themes forward. Think about Macbeth. His ambition, fueled by his own actions (and the influence of Lady Macbeth), leads to his downfall. Macbeth’s actions directly embody the theme of unchecked ambition and its consequences.

I always find it fascinating when a character's actions reveal more about the theme than the plot itself. For example, in The Road by Cormac McCarthy, the characters’ choices in an apocalyptic world demonstrate themes of survival, hope, and humanity in the face of despair. It's not just about surviving the harsh environment; it's about the internal struggle to remain human. That, for me, is a perfect example of a character becoming the theme.

Conclusion: Characters and Themes Go Hand-in-Hand

So, can characters be themes? Absolutely! Honestly, I think characters are often themes, especially in works where the author uses their personality, struggles, and decisions to represent broader concepts. Whether it's a classic tragedy like Hamlet or a modern story about social change, characters can—and often do—embody themes in ways that make the story richer and more profound.

Next time you’re reading a novel or watching a film, try to look at the protagonist not just as a person in the story, but as a vessel for the theme. You might start to see your favorite characters in a whole new light.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.