A character theory in the context of media, such as films
and plays, is useful for analysing and understanding media in which people take
on the role of an actor or social actor. Character theories are popular with
academics teaching and researching media and film studies as they are useful
for appreciating the structure of different types of media and the roles of the
characters, fictional or otherwise that are portrayed in them. Character
theories are often based on stereotypes, and the different characteristics that
make them up can either be used for positive or negatives purposes.
Erving Goffman's character theory …
Suggests that there are four main types of broad character
in a media text or production;
1.
The protagonist (leading character)
2.
The deuterogamist (secondary character)
3.
The bit player (minor character whose specific
background the audience is not aware of)
4.
The fool (a character that uses humor to convey
messages
Richard Bartle's character theory …
Was one of the earliest dedicated to the Internet, and is
still used for analysing early virtual worlds today. It took the following
form:
1.
Achievers (preferred to gain "points,"
levels, equipment and other concrete measurements of succeeding in a game)
2.
Explorers (preferred to be discovering areas,
creating maps and learning about hidden places)
3.
Socializers (preferred to be interacting with
other players, and on some occasions, computer-controlled characters with
personality)
4.
Killers (preferred to depart from the norm of
being "the good guy" who comes to save the day and play on the side
of evil or conquest
John Campbell, Gorden Fletcher, and Anita Greenhill …
Developed a character
theory for analysing online communities, based on tribal typologies. In the
communities they investigated they identified three character types:
1.
The Big Man (offer a form of order and stability
to the community by absorbing many conflicting situations personally)
2.
The Sorcerer (will not engage in reciprocity
with others in the community)
3.
The Trickster (generally a comical yet complex
figure that is found in most of the world's culture
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