Theater characters are the fictional individuals portrayed in a play, musical, or performance. They are created by playwrights and brought to life by actors on stage. Each character typically has a unique personality, background, and role within the story, contributing to the overall narrative and themes of the production. Characters can be classified into various types, such as protagonists, who drive the story forward, and antagonists, who create conflict. Supporting characters add depth and complexity, while ensemble members enhance the performance through group dynamics. Together, these characters engage the audience and evoke emotional responses.