Novels as a Medium for Character Education in Elementary Schools: A Literature Review on Implementation and Relevance in Learning

Character education is a crucial aspect of shaping students who possess not only academic competence but also noble character, a sense of responsibility, and social awareness. Novels serve as an effective learning medium to support character education, as they embody various life values conveyed through characters, plot, conflict, and setting. This article examines the role of novels as a medium for character education in primary schools, the character values embedded within them, implementation strategies for instruction, and their advantages and limitations. The study employs a literature review method, analyzing relevant books and scholarly articles. The findings indicate that novels contain values such as religiosity, honesty, discipline, responsibility, hard work, independence, social awareness, tolerance, mutual cooperation, and integrity—values that can be internalized through reading, discussion, reflection, and presentation activities. Furthermore, the use of novels enhances literacy skills, critical thinking, and empathy, while supporting the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka (Independent Curriculum) and the strengthening of the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). Thus, novels are a viable and effective learning medium for fostering character development among primary school students.