The core of novel creation is to create typical characters, express the theme and reveal some essence of life through the description of typical characters. The characteristics of the characters in the works include external and internal aspects. Externality refers to appearance, occupation, living habits, etc. Internally, it refers to personality characteristics, spiritual quality and typical significance. Intrinsic features are not simply revealed, but expressed through the artistic skills of portraying characters. Appreciating characters means mastering these artistic skills and grasping their characteristics from the outside to the inside.

Appreciating characters can start from the following aspects:

1. Grasp the characteristics of the novel characters from the overall development of the novel plot

The plot is generally developed by describing the conflict between the characters' ideological character and emotional desire, and the resulting changes in the relationship and fate of the characters. In the development of the plot, vivid and distinct personality is reproduced through the appearance, behavior and psychological state of the characters. Therefore, to appreciate characters, we should start with the plot and talk about people according to the situation.

2. Grasp the character from the relationship and conflict between the characters.

In the fierce contradictions and conflicts, the thoughts and personalities of characters are often fully and profoundly reflected.

3. Understand the characters by analyzing specific descriptions

The description of characters' appearance, language, movements and psychology in the novel can reveal their thoughts, feelings and personality characteristics. In addition to the direct description of the front, the side can also be described by other people or scenery. Attention should be paid to the identity, status, experience, upbringing and temperament of the characters in the novel, because they directly determine the words and deeds of the characters and affect their personalities.

4. Know people according to the specific times environment, activity scenes and scenery (including objects).

The typical meaning of characters is often thought according to the historical background of the story. For example, the description of the social environment in Blessing can show the typical significance of Sister Xianglin. For those characters who are far away from time and space in the novel, we should be able to understand them in a specific historical, era, country, culture and other backgrounds, rather than past learning and external learning.

5. Analyze the characters with the help of the author's comments or the comments of other characters in the works.

The author's attitude towards the characters is very important. There are two ways to evaluate this emotional attitude: directly comment on the ideological tendency and personality characteristics of the characters, or from the mouth of a certain character in the works. Therefore, grasping the author's speech attitude of introducing and evaluating (characters) directly or by innuendo is the most direct way to appreciate characters.