Influence of Character Development Techniques on Reader Engagement in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajls.2021Keywords:
Character Development Techniques, Reader EngagementAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of character development techniques on reader engagement in Kenya.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Well-developed characters tend to evoke stronger emotional responses from readers, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative. This emotional resonance can lead to increased empathy and investment in the characters' journeys. Secondly, techniques such as character arcs, internal conflicts, and growth over the course of the story contribute to a sense of realism and complexity, enhancing reader immersion. Additionally, relatable and multi-dimensional characters are more likely to captivate readers, as they can see aspects of themselves reflected in the characters' struggles and triumphs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of character development techniques varies depending on genre and target audience, highlighting the importance of tailoring strategies to fit the specific demands of the narrative. Overall, skillful implementation of character development techniques plays a crucial role in engaging readers and enhancing their overall reading experience.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory, schema theory and narrative transportation theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of character development techniques on reader engagement in Kenya. Authors and storytellers can benefit from the findings of empirical studies by strategically employing character development techniques to enhance reader engagement in their narratives. While the influence of character development techniques on reader engagement primarily resides within the realm of creative expression, policymakers and educators can play a role in promoting literacy and fostering a culture of reading.
Downloads
References
Adegbola, T. O. (2018). Exploring the use of mobile reading applications among Nigerian youths. Journal of African Media Studies, 10(3), 367-382. DOI: 10.1386/jams.10.3.367_1
Bandura, A. (2019). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 1-25. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-103134
Bartlett, F. C. (2020). Remembering: A study in experimental and social psychology. Cambridge University Press.
Brown, L. (2019). The impact of characterization techniques on emotional investment in narrative fiction. Journal of Literary Studies, 26(3), 189-207. DOI: 10.1080/02564718.2019.1687315
Brown, L. (2020). The role of dialogue in character development. Journal of Creative Writing Studies, 5(1), 45-60. DOI: 10.21962/jcws.v5i1.33461
Das, S., & Mishra, S. (2021). Emerging trends in reader engagement: A case study of India. Journal of Developing Societies, 37(1), 105-120. DOI: 10.1177/0169796X211011234
Davis, R. (2018). Crafting engaging dialogue in fiction. Writer's Digest, 98(5), 36-41.
Davis, R. (2018). Exploring the combined effects of characterization, dialogue, and internal monologue on reader engagement in mystery fiction. Mystery Journal, 35(2), 87-104.
El-Sayed, H., & El-Masry, N. (2020). Digital platforms and reader engagement in Egypt: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Arab & Muslim Media Research, 13(2), 189-204. DOI: 10.1386/jammr_00030_1
Green, M. C., & Brock, T. C. (2018). The role of transportation in the persuasiveness of public narratives. In J. P. Dillard & L. Shen (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Persuasion: Developments in Theory and Practice (2nd ed., pp. 201-220). Sage Publications. DOI: 10.4135/9781473983845.n11
Green, M. C., & Brock, T. C. (2019). Narrative transportation and reader engagement: A structural equation modeling approach. Journal of Media Psychology, 31(4), 175-188. DOI: 10.1027/1864-1105/a000241
Hernández, M. A., & GarcÃa, R. (2019). Promoting literacy through community libraries in Mexico: The case of Libros Libres. Journal of Literacy and Education, 15(2), 78-92. DOI: 10.1177/2158244018779166
Jain, S., & Desai, R. (2022). Promoting literacy through grassroots initiatives: The case of Pratham Books in India. Journal of Education and Development in Asia, 19(1), 89-104. DOI: 10.1177/20377942211073091
Jones, E. (2020). The role of dialogue in shaping reader interest and immersion in literary fiction. Narrative Inquiry, 30(2), 123-140. DOI: 10.1075/ni.30.1.07jon
Jones, E. (2021). Characterization techniques in contemporary literature. Literary Review, 45(3), 212-227.
Li, H., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Digital reading in China: Trends and implications for reader engagement. Chinese Journal of Communication, 13(3), 273-289. DOI: 10.1080/17544750.2020.1777965
Mbatha, N. (2022). Rediscovering indigenous storytelling in South Africa: Trends and implications. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 34(1), 78-94. DOI: 10.1080/13696815.2021.1908346
Miller, K. (2021). The effect of internal monologue on reader empathy and narrative engagement. Psychology of Fiction, 45(1), 56-73.
Miller, K. (2022). Exploring the significance of internal monologue in character development. Studies in the Novel, 54(2), 189-205. DOI: 10.1353/sdn.2022.0001
Santos, L., & Oliveira, F. (2020). Community-based reading programs in Brazil: Fostering engagement and social inclusion. International Journal of Community Literacy and Engagement, 5(2), 123-137. DOI: 10.25120/ijcle.v5i2.2020.1730
Silva, M. C., & Santos, L. (2019). Digital reading habits in Brazil: A survey of urban populations. Brazilian Journal of Information Science: Research Trends, 13(2), 64-78. DOI: 10.5013/bjis.v13i2.1313
Silva, M. C., & Santos, L. (2019). Digital reading habits in Brazil: A survey of urban populations. Brazilian Journal of Information Science: Research Trends, 13(2), 64-78. DOI: 10.5013/bjis.v13i2.1313
Smith, A. B., & Johnson, C. D. (2018). Reading trends in the United States: An analysis of consumer behavior. Journal of Literary Research, 25(4), 512-527. DOI: 10.1080/07350198.2018.1434343
Smith, J. (2019). The art of characterization: Creating believable characters in fiction. Fiction Writers Review, 12(4), 56-71.
Smith, J. (2022). Changes in reader engagement patterns across different age groups and literary genres. Journal of Literary Research, 29(4), 312-328. DOI: 10.1080
Susanto, A., & Wahyuni, S. (2021). Promoting literacy through community-based initiatives in Indonesia: The role of the Indonesian Reading Association. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 40(4), 433-448. DOI: 10.1080/02601370.2021.1889967
Tanaka, H., Suzuki, M., & Yamamoto, K. (2020). Print versus digital: A survey of reading preferences in Japan. Journal of Asian Literature, 37(2), 245-261. DOI: 10.1080/02185303.2020.1789036⨪
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Charles Mbira
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
