[AS3] how to code each arrow key to correspond to each symbol to make the character m

[drjuanitor]

so im currently taking a game development class in my high school and im trying to make a character go up, down, left, and right. i have made a symbol for each direction. im working with action script 3 and i dont know how to code each arrow key to correspond to each symbol to make the character move in that direction. it would be awesome if some one could give a step by step example so i can learn a little more by it! thanks
ps: if you need more information than what i gave, let me know.

[TJRobertson86]

You dont need to create a symbol for each direction (unless i misunderstand your question), you'll probably want to create a variable for each direction, however. The easiest way to do it (assuming you have a newer version of flash professional) is to use the code snipet for move with keyboard. It will write all the code for you, and then you can read through it and look up anything you dont understand.

[Poony]

This is basicly the bare minimum for making a display object move when a key is pressed. In this case your character's instance name is "character"

Hope this points you in the right direction.

const speed:int = 2;

stage.addEventListener(KeyboardEvent.KEY_DOWN, handleKeyDown);

function handleKeyDown(e:KeyboardEvent):void {
   
    if(e.keyCode == Keyboard.LEFT) character.x -= speed;
    if(e.keyCode == Keyboard.RIGHT) character.x += speed;
    if(e.keyCode == Keyboard.UP) character.y -= speed;
    if(e.keyCode == Keyboard.DOWN) character.y += speed;

}

[drjuanitor]

so i dont have to make a symbol for each of the directions the character is facing?