Why a theory of character? -- I: Ontology and typology of character -- 1. Approaches to literary characters -- 2. From hero to character -- 3. In search of the protagonist -- 4. Collective character -- 5. From collective character to intersubjectivity -- 6. Secondary characters and character constellations -- 7. Complexity and development -- II: Epistemology of character -- 8. Character and plot -- 9. Authorial discourse: description and narration -- 10. Authorial discourse: actions and events -- 11. Figural discourse: speech acts -- 12. Figural discourse: internal representation -- 13. Implicit characterization -- Returning to text.