What is focal character?

A focal character is a literary device used in fiction writing, where the perspective of the story is primarily seen through the eyes of a particular character. This character is usually the protagonist or main character. The focal character's thoughts, feelings, and actions are described in detail, as they are the lens through which the reader experiences the story.

The use of a focal character provides several benefits to the writer, such as creating a more intimate and emotional connection between the reader and the character, establishing a clear point of view, and enabling the writer to explore the character's personality, motives, and inner conflicts. It also helps to maintain consistency in the story and prevents confusion among the readers.

However, the use of a focal character also has its limitations. It restricts the writer's ability to explore other characters' perspectives and limits the information that the reader has access to. Therefore, the writer must choose the focal character carefully to ensure that it is suitable for the story's overall theme and message.