CHARACTERIZATION

Mr. Raber

“Types of Characters”

Major Characters:

• The PROTAGONIST is the main character

• Action is focused around the protag.

• The ANTAGONIST is also a major character

• He or she is AGAINST the protagonist

Minor Characters:

•Play subordinate roles

•Vary in degree of importance

STATIC vs. DYNAMIC Characters:

•STATIC CHARACTERS change very little

•DYNAMIC CHARACTERS change as a direct result of events- Changes can be subtle or dramatic

Both vary in degree of change

FLAT vs. ROUNDCharacters:

• ROUND CHARACTERS are complex-Cannot be summarized briefly

• FLAT CHARACTERS are basic-Can be summed up with a single word or phrase-Characterized with a single dominant trait

Other Characters:

•STOCK CHARACTER- a recognizable stereotypical character

•CARICATURE- an extreme exaggeration of one or several human characteristics

Types of Characterization:

1)GENERAL

2)DIRECT

3)INDIRECT

1) General Characterization:

• Includes the ways the author communicates natures of characters

• Can include both DIRECT and INDIRECT characterization

2) DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:

• Includes characters’ backgrounds, motives and personalities

• Includes direct description of appearance

• Also includes the narrator’s opinion- which could be biased

3) INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:

• Defines characters through their actions and statements

• Includes dialect, plot, and dialogue

Questions to Ask When Analyzing Characters:

• Does the character grow or deteriorate? Why or why not? (Static vs. Dynamic)

• How complex is the character? (Flat vs. Round)

• How important are the minor characters?

Other Questions to Ask When Analyzing

Characters:• Are the characters words and actions consistent? (Direct and Indirect)

• Is the character: intelligent, likeable, insightful, responsible, happy, believable? How do you know?

ANYQUESTIONS?