A character is a person, animal, or thing that appears in a story and has distinct qualities, traits, and characteristics. Characters can be human or non-human, fictional or real, and they often have their own personalities, motivations, and backgrounds. The development of characters is an important aspect of storytelling, as it allows readers to connect with and care about the people in the story. Characters can also serve important roles in the plot, such as the protagonist who drives the story forward and the antagonist who creates conflict and tension.