Literary Terms in Paradise Lost

"• Character—(1) Any of the persons involved in a story or play. (2) The distinguishing moral qualities and personal traits of a character."

Satan has been the main character so far. Some readers consider him as the hero or protagonist of the story since he is the main character but his motives are evil and he is therefore more of an antagonist. He is evil to the core, but in these beginning books, he shows up as a rather strong character with great abilities. I think that this shall change throughout the book though.

"• Direct presentation of character—that method of characterization in which the author, by exposition or analysis, tells us directly what a character is like, or has someone else in the story do so."

"• Indirect presentation of character—that method of characterization in which the author shows us a character in action, compelling us to infer what the character is like from what is said or done by the character. Which method of presentation is used more frequently by Milton? Why? Does he characterize effectively?"

Milton definitely uses Indirect presentation of character. He prefers to show his readers in action, making long speeches about things rather than explaining the feelings of the characters.