What term describes a person, animal, or inanimate object portrayed in a literary work?

The term that describes a person, animal, or inanimate object portrayed in a literary work is "character." In literature, characters are the beings that drive the story forward, and they can take on various forms—human or non-human. They are essential to the narrative as they undergo development, face conflicts, and contribute to the themes and messages of the work.

For instance, a protagonist, antagonist, or even a minor character can significantly affect the plot and engage readers' emotions. They may represent certain traits, ideologies, or struggles, allowing the audience to connect with the story on a deeper level.

The other terms, while important aspects of storytelling, refer to different concepts: "theme" relates to the underlying message or main idea of the work, "plot" refers to the sequence of events that make up the story, and "setting" defines the time and place in which the story unfolds. Understanding characters is crucial for analyzing how a narrative develops and how the dynamics between characters shape the overall experience of the work.