Precis for "Approaching Characterisation in Virgil"

          Andrew Laird in his essay "Approaching Characterisation in Virgil" (10/7/12) asserts that looking at characterization in Virgil's works is important, no matter how "conventional" it may seem. The author splits the chapter into two sections, the first looking at characterization being a relation between the poet and the character he portrays, and the second looking at characterization being a relation between the text and the audience. Laird aims to show that characterization requires the reader to look at characters, which are crucial to almost any work, in order to expand the way they interpret it. The readers that the author most likely intends to read his work are those who will or have read Virgil's works; however, it could be useful to any reader because characterization is important in any piece of literature.
          I think this essay was pretty convincing. It showed me different ways to look at how author's characterize, and how they are significant. This information was certainly helpful to me as I go forward with my research project on the Aeneid, but I could also apply it to almost anything I read outside of class. There are many perspectives on character that were not mentioned in this chapter; however, the ones that the author did bring up, I thought were very interested and I will keep in mind as I continue to examine the Aeneid.