Student's Encyclopedia of American Literary Characters is a comprehensive fourvolume set designed to help students approach American literature in what is often the most appealing way—through the most memorable characters of the greatest works. Approximately 900 indepth character entries, ranging from about 1,000 to 1,400 words each, are organized alphabetically by author and then by work. Each entry features an assessment of the character's traits, as well as an indication of the character's role in the work.