Fictional Characters in the Collection *Muzah wa-ma Ashbah* (Jokes and the Like) by Abd al-Haqq Fadil: Selected Examples

Abstract

This research paper, titled "Story Characters in Abdul-Haq Fadhil’s Collection 'Joking and the Like': Selected Models," aims to study the narrative character as one of the fundamental elements in constructing story works, given its essential role in driving events and exploring the intellectual and artistic themes of the text.

Accordingly, the nature of this research required dividing it into two main sections:
* The First Section is dedicated to the conceptual and definitional framework of narrative characters, addressing the linguistic and terminology definitions of character.
* The Second Section examines the types of characters and their manifestation in selected stories from the collection, specifically focusing on main and secondary characters.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology suitable for the nature of the topic, allowing for the description of these characters, the analysis of their roles and functions, and the clarification of their presence within the selected models. Ultimately, the research seeks to highlight how Abdul-Haq Fadhil employed his characters within the narrative structure and their role in shaping its artistic composition and conveying its intellectual and humanistic dimensions.

In concluding this study, which examines the nature of characters in the short story collection *Muzah wa Ma Ashbah* ("Jokes and the Like") by Abd al-Haqq Fadil, we arrive at the following: The theoretical framework has enabled a precise definition of the term "character"—both in its linguistic and technical senses. Linguistically, it relates to a tangible, physical presence that can be perceived or distinguished; technically, it refers to an artistic construct possessing specific physical and psychological traits—manifested through the character’s attributes, behaviors, and emotions—within the context of the narrative. The analysis reveals that the characters in *Muzah wa Ma Ashbah* function in synergy with other narrative elements—such as plot, dialogue, and description—to shape the text’s structure and underscore its underlying meanings. Furthermore, the diversity of both primary and secondary characters serves to articulate a wide range of human experiences and social situations, demonstrating the author’s skill in crafting characters that are well-suited to the nature and progression of the events.