Playwright characters are the fictional individuals created by a playwright to drive the narrative of a play. These characters can vary widely in personality, background, and motivation, often reflecting the themes and messages the playwright wishes to convey. They serve as the primary means through which the audience engages with the story. In a play, characters can be categorized into different roles, such as protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters. Each character's development is crucial for the plot's progression, and their interactions often highlight key conflicts and resolutions. Notable playwrights like William Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams are known for their complex and memorable characters.