Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction, and the Drama, Vol. 4 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

A compact yet richly detailed handbook gathers together dozens of brief portraits that illuminate the most memorable figures from classic romance, fiction and drama. Each entry surveys a character’s emotional core, motivations and the social forces that shape their story, offering listeners a quick reference that deepens appreciation of well‑known works. The sketches are organized alphabetically, so you can wander from the tragic heroine of “Rosalind and Orlando” to the scheming villain of “Satan Wounded” with equal ease.

Beyond the individual profiles, the volume weaves an extensive web of cross‑references, pointing out where one character’s traits echo or clash with another across different genres. This network of connections invites you to trace recurring themes—like honor, desire, or betrayal—through the literary canon, enriching each listening experience.

Although the original edition promised elaborate illustrations, the text stands on its own, guiding you through vivid descriptions that evoke the imagined scenes. Minor printing quirks have been corrected, ensuring a smooth and accurate journey through the landscape of literary personalities.