Characterization in Three Selected Works: A Comparative Essay In most pieces of fictional narrative or poetry characters are what drive the story. Characters reveal information, act out scenes and compel readers to keep turning pages with their ability to make an impression on the reader. Whether this impression is positive or negative well written characters connect the reader with the story in a way that is immersive. This essay will offer comment on how individual characters are presented and described by three different authors (Emily Dickenson, Kate Chopin and Nathaniel Hawthorne), briefly offering explanation of important nuances each character may possess. Where possible direct links will be made between characters and their authors to highlight how the authors reveal themselves through their literature to their audience. The first author to be touched on will be Emily Dickenson starting with her poem “712”. In this six stanza verse Dickenson describes an encounter with Death in which he helps her understand and accept her own passing away. What is unique about this poem is how Death is portrayed. Instead of casting death as a frightening reminder that all life ends, Death is personified as a gentlemen that simply wants to give her a ride that will take her from mortality to immortality. In her poem, Dickenson writes: “Because I could not stop for death/ he kindly stopped for me” (Dickenson 1214: 1-2) asserting that death as a phenomenon is not always untimely but a natural part of life. Personifying Death in this manner helps the reader understand the meaning of this poem by having him or her ignore the negative feelings associated death. Instead of Dickenson being afraid of Death as most people are she accepts her fate and looks toward answering questions about the afterlife. Death’s stated calm demeanor and civility make the poem passive, saying that