Using Characters How does a writer use characters to portray themes in a story?

Characters can represent
forces of opposition which can sometimes be thematic.

For instance, the
characters in Animal Farm are thematically oriented because the novel is
anexploring issues of governance, freedom, justice and power. Certain characters represent
corruption and so help explore the theme of corruption. Other characters represent the trampled
masses or powerlessness and so help explore the theme of power and
powerlessness.