Characterisation

Characterisation is the art of creating and developing characters in literature. In Classical Civilisation, you will study how ancient authors like Homer, Virgil, and Sophocles use characterisation to bring their stories to life. This topic is crucial because characters are the heart of any narrative; they drive the plot, embody themes, and engage the audience. Understanding characterisation allows you to analyse how authors reveal personality, motivation, and change through direct description, dialogue, actions, and interactions with others.

In the OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation course, characterisation appears in the study of epics (e.g., Homer's Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid) and tragedies (e.g., Sophocles' Oedipus the King). You will examine how heroes like Odysseus and Aeneas are portrayed as models of virtue or flawed individuals, and how villains like Polyphemus or Juno are depicted. Characterisation also involves understanding stock characters (e.g., the clever slave in comedy) and how they serve the plot. Mastering this topic helps you write sophisticated analyses of how authors shape our perception of characters and their roles in the story.

Characterisation is not just about listing traits; it's about interpreting how an author uses literary techniques to create depth. For example, Homer uses epithets ('resourceful Odysseus') to reinforce key traits, while Virgil uses simile to compare Aeneas to a steadfast oak. You will learn to identify these techniques and explain their effect on the reader. This skill is essential for achieving high marks in the examination, where you must analyse how characterisation contributes to themes like fate, heroism, and piety.