DIALECT AS A MEANS OF CHARACTERIZATION IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

Dialect is an important part of language that reflects social and regional differences. In English literature, writers often use dialect not only to show how people speak but also to develop characters and make them more realistic. Through dialect, readers can understand a character’s background, social status, and personality. The aim of this article is to explore how dialect functions as a means of characterization in English literature. The study focuses on the role of dialect in shaping characters and revealing their identity. A qualitative approach is used, based on the analysis of literary examples and linguistic ideas. The results show that dialect helps writers create vivid and believable characters. It allows authors to present differences between social groups and to express emotions more naturally. At the same time, dialect can highlight contrast between characters and make the narrative more engaging.