This study examines the efficacy of characters within 4-panel manga as a means for augmenting the comprehension and appreciation of exhibits within science museums. The introduction of characters in 4-panel manga is anticipated to yield positive responses from viewers in terms of readability and comprehension. The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a quantitative analysis of the influence of characters on the comprehension of 4-panel manga through the utilization of eye-tracking data, thereby elucidating the underlying factors. The hypothesis posits that characters within 4-panel manga heighten visual attention to characters themselves and extend the duration of gaze fixations on text regions. The research involved 33 university students who were tasked with viewing both character-inclusive and character-exclusive versions of 4-panel manga. Analysis focused on the duration during which a viewer’s gaze remains fixed on a specific area and gaze transition network. Findings revealed disparities in gaze dwell time and gaze transition patterns across specific panels, suggesting that the inclusion of characters in 4-panel manga fosters gaze redirection towards the characters and prolongs gaze fixation on text-laden areas. This underscores the possibility of the supportive roles of characters in facilitating and enhancing the interpretation of exhibit explanations within science museums.
