Character theories

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