Which term refers to the individuals involved in the story?

Characters are the individuals who take part in the events of the story, influencing the narrative through their actions, thoughts, and interactions with one another. They can be protagonists, who drive the story forward, and antagonists, who create obstacles or challenges for the protagonists. Understanding characters is essential because they embody the themes and emotions of the story, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on a personal level.

The other terms in the list refer to different aspects of storytelling. Settings describe the time and place in which the story occurs, while plot elements focus on the sequence of events and structure of the story. Conflicts highlight the struggles or challenges the characters face. Each aspect is important in literature, but only characters directly represent the individuals involved in the story.