# parser(_:foundCharacters:) Sent by a parser object to provide its delegate with a string representing all or part of the characters of the current element. ``` optional func parser(_ parser: XMLParser, foundCharacters string: String) ``` ## Parameters `parser` A parser object. `string` A string representing the complete or partial textual content of the current element. ## Discussion The parser object may send the delegate several [`parser(_:foundCharacters:)`](/documentation/Foundation/XMLParserDelegate/parser(_:foundCharacters:)) messages to report the characters of an element. Because `string` may be only part of the total character content for the current element, you should append it to the current accumulation of characters until the element changes. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)