How Plot, Setting and Characters Influence Readers Response

The writer of a fiction text uses plot, setting and characters to create imagery and influence the reader's response to how the author wishes the reader to perceive a situation. This can be done through many methods, which include detailed descriptions of any settings, detail of weather, characters stereotypical of society and colour association.






In the novel "Lord of the Flies" careful attention is payed to the way the in depth descriptions of the island was used to create imagery and pursuade the readers response. For example on page 14/15, there is much emphasis on the brightness and colour of the island. This influences the reader to think that the island is like a tropical paradise full of joy and happiness.






Characters in fiction texts have characteristics that are described by the author and have certain features that all contribute to the 'characters profile'. Their profile can be built up using many methods as was done in "Lord of the Flies". Each of the main characters had a meaning to their name; for example Ralph's name was derived from the Anglo-Saxan language, meaning 'counsel'. Jack's name, Hebrew in origin means 'one who supplants', reflecting his use of force. Piggy's name parallels the wild pigs that are hunted on the island and also reflects his superior intellect. Simon's name comes from the Hebrew word, which means 'listener'. Roger's name, Germanic in origin means 'spear'.






Characters can also represent stereotypes of society from their attitudes and behaviour. In the short story "Weekend" the author presented the characters as stereotypical of society with the female role of doing all the cooking and cleaning and the male role of relaxing and having a good time while telling his wife what and not to do.






Character descriptions are used to give a first and usually last impression of a character. The novel "Lord of the Flies" is a typical example. When...