Nolan: Harvey Dent's story is central to The Dark Knight

It may be six months until Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight is released, but this week saw director Christopher Nolan explain how each character fits into the story.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Nolan said that Harvey Dent - who fans will know later becomes the evil megalomaniac Two Face - is a "tragic figure" and one whose journey becomes "the backbone of this film".

This might surprise people given the publicity surrounding Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker. Clips and teasers have surfaced showing a truly frightening performance that depicts the character as a madman.

"[The Joker] … he sort of cuts through [the film] - he's got no story arc, he's just a force of nature," Nolan added. "Heath has given an amazing performance in the role - it's really extraordinary."

Alongside Ledger as The Joker and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Christian Bale is returning as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over from Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawson.

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