“Dramatists may choose to present “realistic” characters, “symbolic” characters or something in between.” Discuss the use of different types of characters and evaluate their effectiveness in at least two plays.

The effectiveness of characterization allows the projection of the writer’s views. Realistic characters have roles that present to the audience a similar lifestyle to their own. The essences of these characters are to create a relationship with the audience based on sympathy and familiar ness. This is a technique that helps express the themes of the play. The characters in Freedom of the City project realistic roles. Michael, Lily and Skinner character features that are commonly found in real people off stage. Through this Friel is able to directly relate his views on society and politics to the world. Symbolic characters share the same effect as realistic. These characters represent issues that relate to and project the themes. In Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, its main characters represent Stoppard’s views on society and existence. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are symbolic of themes that each character portrays through their actions. Another character feature this play ha...