Characterization Making a character colorful

What is characterization? Developing and portraying a personality through thought, action, dialogue, costuming and make-up

Types of Characters Rounded Characters A character with various traits; some of them contradictory. Flat Characters A character with one clearly defined trait. A character that changes, grows, or matures during the course of the play. Dynamic Character A character that does not change, grow, or mature during the course of the play. Static Character

Other Types of Characters Stereotypical Characters A character that is immediately recognizable to the audience by its adherence to a cultural or behavioral archetype. Protagonist The main character around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with who the audience identifies. Often they have the most at stake. A character that stands in direct opposition to the protagonist, acting as on obstacle to the protagonist's dramatic need. Not every play will have one of these. Antagonist

Two Levels of Characterization Internal CharacterizationExternal Characterization

Internal Characterization Inner, personal qualities invisible to the eye

Internal Characteristics

Background Where is your character from? Where has your character lived? Family circumstances Environment that they work and live in Level of education Hobbies/Personal Interests Occupation

Motivation/Objectives Motivation A specific reason for saying or doing anything Objective The goal a character works toward in – a scene – entire play

Mental Intelligent Dull Clever Slow Average

Spiritual Ideals/Beliefs Ethical Code – a person's sense of right and wrong Values – broad preference concerning appropriate courses of action or outcomes

Emotional Confident Outgoing Happy Sullen Cynical Timid Likes or dislikes How does the character respond to others?

Personality the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character Critical Vain Cautious Friendly Spoiled Vicious Polite Clumsy

External Characteristics Qualities relating to a character’s outwardly visible traits

External Characteristics

Posture The way the character sits or stands will suggest her/his personality

Movement The character’s movement and gait (way the character walks) reveals to the audience about their age, health or attitude – Poise – Nervousness – Weakness – Strength

Mannerisms Tics or habits – Nail biting – Tapping nails – Playing with hair – Head scratching

Dialogue/Voice Accent (nation) – French – English – American – Australian – African – Central American Dialect (region in a nation) – Louisianan – New York City – Texan – Midwest Vocal mannerisms – Stutter Grammar Direct things the character says “You Suck!”

Costume Style of clothing Neatness Casual/Prim/Sloppy Clean/Dirty Occupation – Waiter/Waitress – Wall Street CEO – Socialite – Farmer

Resources terms-flash-cards/ terms-flash-cards/ and_cultural) and_cultural)