The literary term describing individuals in a work of literature is

The literary term describing individuals in a work of literature is "characters." In a story, characters are the people, animals, or other beings that the author creates and develops to drive the plot forward. They are the individuals who experience events, have thoughts and feelings, and engage in actions within the story. Characters can be the central focus of the narrative (protagonist), the one who opposes the protagonist (villain), or other supporting or secondary roles. They add depth, complexity, and relatability to the story, allowing readers to connect with and understand the events unfolding in the literary work.