Character

Character = a person or animal in a story

Characterization

The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story.(can be direct or

indirect)

Direct Characterization

The method of character

development in which the author

simply tells you what the character is like. For example, “Miss Alice was the nicest person you would

ever want to meet,” is direct

characterization.

Indirect Characterization

The method of characterization that is most similar to the way we learn about people in real life. Using indirect characterization, the author presents the character’s personality through what he/she says, his/her actions, or how other characters relate to him/her. You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?

Read the following example of characterization.

Decide whether it is an example of direct or

indirect characterization.

(A) James was one of those people who was

constantly angry. He looked for trouble

wherever he went, and he usually found it.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?

(B) Stanley’s eyes blazed as he surveyed the room. The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he stalked past her.

“Look out for Stan,” she whispered to Bart. “He’s in another one of his moods. I’d stay far away if I were you!”

Description A is an example of direct characterization.

The author comes right out and tells you that James was always angry, and that he was looking for a fight

almost constantly.

Description B is an example of indirect characterization.

We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he walked that he is angry. We can

also see that others are somewhat frightened by him by observing

their reactions. Carol moves aside and warns Bart to avoid Stanley.

Which method is more effective in developing the

character? Why do you think so?

Methods of Characterizationcreating believable characters…

INDIRECT DIRECT

-physical appearance -the narrator’s direct comments about a character

-speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character

-speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters

Types of Characters…

• Major

• Minor

Major Character

The major (main) character in a

story is like the star of a movie and is central to the action that takes place.

Minor character…

A minor character is one who takes

part in the action but is not the

focus of attention.

Types of Characters

• The protagonist (or main

character) is the central figure in

the work.• The antagonist is

the character or force pitted against the protagonist.

More types of characters…

• A static character does not change

through the course of the

action.• A dynamic

character is one who does change.

Don’t forget the Stock Character…

A stock character (stereotype) is one found

again and again in literary works. An example of a stock

character is that of the mad scientist that

appears over and over in different works – such as

Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or Dr. Frankenstein.

Round Character

A round character is a complex, fully

developed character.

Flat Character

A flat character is a one-dimensional

character, typically not central to the

story

The protagonist is usually…

• The central character• A character the reader can identify with• Has a rounded personality (we hear

what they say, what others say about them, we know what they think and how they feel)

• A character with a dynamic personality

Secondary characters are usually…

•Static•Flat

Character Motivation

A motive is a reason that explains or partially explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or speech. If the motives of a main character are not clear, then the character will not be believable.

Characters are often motivated by needs, such as food and shelter. They are also motivated by feelings, such as fear, love, and pride. Motives may be obvious or hidden.

Character’s Qualities or Traits

The personal traits that make up the

character’s personality.

Dialogue

Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is usually set off by quotation marks to indicate a speaker’s exact words.