The Use of Positive and Negative Adjectives in Shaping Protagonists and Antagonists in Children’s Books

Aprilia Duwi Suryati(1*), Qanitah Masykuroh(2)


(1) Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
(2) Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study explores the role of positive and negative adjectives in shaping the portrayal of protagonists and antagonists in children's books. Adjectives play a crucial role in character development, influencing readers' perceptions and emotional connections with the characters. This research analyses how authors use positive adjectives to construct heroic and admirable protagonists, while negative adjectives are employed to depict villains and antagonistic figures. Through a qualitative analysis of selected children's literature, this study examines patterns of adjective usage and their impact on characterization. The findings reveal that positive adjectives contribute to creating relatable, moral, and inspiring protagonists, whereas negative adjectives reinforce the contrast between good and evil by establishing antagonists as undesirable or threatening. Understanding these linguistic choices enhances our comprehension of how language influences young readers' moral and emotional development. This study provides insights for educators, writers, and scholars interested in the intersection of linguistics and children's literature.

Keywords


adjectives, characterization, protagonist, antagonist, children's books

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