How do authors construct the identity of characters? Essay

Authors use many techniques to portray the identity of characters. The techniques they use can give the characters feelings and emotions, strengths and weakness’s and shape the way the character is viewed. Some of these techniques include perspective, processes, adverbial and prepositional phrases, person, writing type and events. Authors use a variety of techniques to construct different aspects of a characters identity.
One technique used by authors is writing type. Books can be proposed in many different ways by using different forms of writing like a narrative or a diary. Rosanne Hawke, author of the book ‘Zenna Dare,’ uses this technique very effectively. Zenna Dare is switches from a narrative written by the main character, Jenefer, to a diary written in past tense by Jenefer’s triple great grandmother, Gweniver. The diary is being read by Jenefer, who is trying to piece together her past, so as the diary progress’s, Jenefer and the reader learn more. Using a diary format creates suspense for the reader, and also allows the author to choose what is included; the reader is required to piece the story together. Jenefer’s first person narrative however, embraces everything Jenefer knows. It describes Jenefer’s feeling towards all the aspects of her life, not just the relevant parts; it creates a rounder character, exploring all aspects of her identity.
Authors often use certain events or settings as an opportunity to tell the reader more about the identity of certain characters. A reader can tell a lot about a character from the events they are involved in and how they respond to them. For example, page 54 of Zenna Dare, ‘Then Caleb stands up, backs away a step, “this is something you need to do by yourself.”’ This follows Jenefer finding a special box containing information about her late family, what Caleb did shows that he is respectful, and understanding. ‘I’m so touched he understands,’ was Jenifer’s response in thoughts. Although this event was a...