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How did morality plays use allegorical characters such as Virtues and Vices?

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Ancient Egyptian illustration from the Book of the Dead showing Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, with gods seated above and hieroglyphic text throughout. — Western theatre Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, c. 1275 bce.

In the context of Western theatre, morality plays functioned as dramatized sermons that used allegory to explore the human condition. These plays centered on a protagonist—often representing all of humanity, such as "Mankind" or "Everyman"—who embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage.12

Allegorical characters were utilized to externalize the internal moral struggle for the hero's soul. These figures functioned as follows:12

Personification: Characters were literal embodiments of abstract qualities. Vices, such as the Seven Deadly Sins or Ignorance, acted as diabolic forces that assaulted the hero’s inherent weaknesses. Conversely, Virtues, such as Mercy, Justice, Temperance, and Humility, served as guides or aids to help the hero choose redemption.132
Conflict: The narrative structure relied on the contention between these opposing forces. By personifying the conflict between spirit and flesh, the plays provided a visual representation of the moral choices faced by the audience.2
Didactic Purpose: Because these characters were transparent representations of specific concepts, they allowed the plays to teach clear moral lessons regarding the transitory nature of life and the necessity of choosing good over evil.12