A literary character is a person, animal, or entity in a story that plays a role in the narrative. Characters can be complex, with distinct personalities, motivations, and backgrounds, or they can be simple and serve a specific purpose in the plot. They help drive the story forward and engage readers by creating emotional connections. Characters are often categorized as protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters. The protagonist is the main character, while the antagonist opposes them. Supporting characters enrich the story and provide depth, helping to develop the themes and conflicts within the narrative.