Play characters are the fictional individuals that drive the story in a theatrical performance. They are created by playwrights and can represent a wide range of personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Each character typically has specific traits that influence their actions and relationships with others in the play. Characters are often categorized into different roles, such as protagonists, who are the main characters, and antagonists, who oppose them. Supporting characters add depth to the narrative and help to develop the main themes. The portrayal of these characters is crucial, as actors bring them to life through performance, dialogue, and interaction.