Personage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• In classic literature, the depth of a character can define the success of a story, making them more relatable to readers.
• Shakespeare’s plays feature memorable personages, from the tragic Hamlet to the cunning Iago, showcasing various human qualities.
• In modern narratives, character development is crucial; a well-written personage can evolve, reflecting real-life complexities.

Theater

• In theater, a personage often embodies a specific archetype, such as the hero, mentor, or antagonist.
• Directors rely on actors’ interpretations to bring a personage to life, enhancing the audience's emotional connection.
• Famous performances have transformed how we see personages, such as Johnny Depp's iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Pop Culture

• In films and television, strong personages often lead to franchises, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe's superheroes.
• Animated films popularize personages, appealing to both children and adults, like Shrek or Elsa from 'Frozen.'
• Personages from novels, such as Harry Potter, have gained cultural significance and inspired themed events and merchandise.

Psychology

• Analyzing a personage helps readers understand different psychological traits and motivations, enriching comprehension.
• Psychological studies suggest that we often project our feelings onto fictional personages, making stories more engaging.
• Characters in stories can also mirror real-life personalities, helping individuals relate to their own experiences.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin term 'persona' meaning 'mask,' used by actors in ancient times.
• Originally, it referred to the mask worn by actors, which represented a character's role in plays.
• In the 18th century, 'personage' began to be used more generally to denote significant or notable people.

The word 'personage' originated in the late 16th century from the French word 'personnage', which in turn came from the Latin 'persona' meaning 'character in a play'. Over time, 'personage' evolved to encompass both fictional characters and important individuals, reflecting its dual meanings in contemporary usage.

See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.

At position #13,867, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 13864 wisest
• 13865 blackness
• 13866 tumbled
• 13867 personage
• 13868 shuddered
• 13869 unparalleled
• 13870 renunciation
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