Characterization Definitions and types of characters

Characterization the act of creating and developing a character. the act of creating and developing a character.

Direct Characterization writers use direct characterization when he or she describes a character's traits explicitly. writers use direct characterization when he or she describes a character's traits explicitly. When a narrator relates qualities of a character very openly. When a narrator relates qualities of a character very openly. “Mr. Sengupta was a clerk at the offices of the City Corporation and he was as sticky-thin and whiny- voiced and mingy as his wife Oneeta was generous…”(19). “Mr. Sengupta was a clerk at the offices of the City Corporation and he was as sticky-thin and whiny- voiced and mingy as his wife Oneeta was generous…”(19).

Indirect Characterization A character's traits can be revealed indirectly in what he or she says, thinks, or does; in a description of his or her appearance; or in statements, thoughts, or actions of other characters. A character's traits can be revealed indirectly in what he or she says, thinks, or does; in a description of his or her appearance; or in statements, thoughts, or actions of other characters. We see who they are through their actions, thoughts and speech. We see who they are through their actions, thoughts and speech. Can you think of something a character did in Haroun that defined them? Can you think of something a character did in Haroun that defined them?

Round Character A character that is complex. He/She has many facets and is well-developed. A character that is complex. He/She has many facets and is well-developed. Which character in Haroun do you see as a Round Character? Why? Which character in Haroun do you see as a Round Character? Why?

Flat Character A character who is simple or generally constructed around a single idea or quality. A character who is simple or generally constructed around a single idea or quality. Which character in Haroun do you see as a Flat Character? Why? Which character in Haroun do you see as a Flat Character? Why?

Dynamic Character A character who develops or changes as a result of the actions of the plot. A character who develops or changes as a result of the actions of the plot. Do any of the characters change in Haroun? Do any of the characters change in Haroun?

Static Character A character who changes little if at all. Things happen to static characters without changing their interior selves. A character who changes little if at all. Things happen to static characters without changing their interior selves. Which character in Haroun would you identify as static? Which character in Haroun would you identify as static?

Protagonist The chief character in a work. The chief character in a work. Guess who the protagonist is in Haroun. Guess who the protagonist is in Haroun.

Antagonist The character or force directly opposed to the protagonist. The character or force directly opposed to the protagonist. Who is the chief antagonist in Haroun? Who is the chief antagonist in Haroun?