On the character variety of group representations in \(\text{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})\) and \(\text{PSL}(2,\mathbb{C})\) (Q1323432)

\textit{M. Culler} and \textit{P. B. Shalen} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 117, 109-146 (1983; Zbl 0529.57005)] proved that the character variety \(X(G)\) of representations of a finitely presented group \(G\) in \(\text{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})\) and \(\text{PSL}(2,\mathbb{C})\) is a closed algebraic set. The main object of this paper is to give an elementary selfcontained proof of the fact. In addition a new criterion is given for lifting a homomorphism \(G \to \text{PSL}(2,\mathbb{C})\) to \(\text{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})\). The class of groups \(G\) where the criterion is applicable includes link groups. The rest of the paper is devoted to the Culler-Shalen theorem above. The method of the proof is in the spirit of \textit{W. Magnus} [Math. Z. 170, 91-103 (1980; Zbl 0433.20033)], using down-to-earth matrix algebra. The polynomials which define \(X(G)\) are explicitly given. The paper closes with an application of the procedure in detail to the figure eight knot.