In every well written novel, the author gives an in depth description of the characters. To characterize is to describe the qualities or peculiarities of a character. Whether it is through characterization, dialogue, or description, the reader should be able to learn about or connect with each character in a certain way. However, a character that is not well characterized can detract from the novel. In As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner, absolutely none of the characters are well characterized. On the other hand, in Sylvia Plath's novel, The Bell Jar, the reader can connect to the protagonist, Esther Greenwood, on a greater level, which overall makes it the better novel of the two.

Throughout the whole novel, Plath does the superior job of characterizing Esther, the protagonist, as opposed to Faulkner's novel with his numerous characters. During the situations and events that Esther encounters, it helps...