Abstract
M.A.
The purpose of this study was to carry out a critical assessment of characterization in two novels, namely Murhandziwani by S J Baloyi and Manyunyu ya Xitsotso by T H Khosa. It is thus a study of two narrative literary works drawn from what Marivate (1985) refers to as the two major epochs in Tsonga literature. He identifies these periods as the pre- and post-1960 or the 'earlier' and 'later' epochs of Tsonga literary endeavour. The study also sought to find out how the nature of character depiction in the two novels affects the
literary quality of the two works. The brief literature survey that was carried out revealed that the rigorous typological approach to character depiction was generally employed in African literature, especially in early literary works that were generally church-based and
sought to propagate a christian message. This has resulted in literary critics such
as Moloi, Strachan and others asserting that the typological approach to character
depiction in African literature is in keeping with the communal ethos of African culture.