Characterization A writer reveals what a character is like and how the character changes throughout the story in the following ways: describing describing what the character looks looks like by telling what the character feels how how the character acts what what they say and and their relationships

Looks physical characteristics “ She has glossy black hair pulled tightly into a knot at the back of her head – her beauty is pale and dark-eyed and full mouthed … “ From “ Thief” by Robley Wilson Jr.

“I opened the menu and studied the first chapter with horror; it was eminently put-downable. I had no idea that simple food obtained from Covent Garden could cost so much by merely being transported to Mayfair. I could have bought the same dishes for a quarter of the price at my favorite bistro …” From “The Luncheon” by Jeffrey Archer Feels - the character’s emotions -told by the character -narrator -or other character in the story

Acts - character’s action or behavior “Myop carried a short, knobby stick. She struck out at random at chickens she liked, and workedout the beat of a song on the fence around thepigpen. She felt light and good in the warm sun.She was ten, and nothing existed for her but hersong, the stick clutched in her dark brown hand,and the tat-de-ta-ta-ta of accompaniment” From “The Flowers” by Alice Walker

Says - character’s actual words -or their thoughts exposed by the narrator “Well, its many years since we first met. How time does fly! We’re none of us getting any younger. Doyou remember the first time I saw you? You askedme to luncheon.” From: “The Luncheon” by Somerset Maugham

Relationships- with other characters in the story past or present “She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her. A clear and exalted perception enabled her todismiss the suggestion as trivial. She knew that she wouldweep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded indeath; the face that had never looked save with love uponher, fixed and gray and dead. But she saw beyond that bittermoment a long procession of years to come that wouldbelong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread herarms out to them in welcome! … “Free! Body and soulfree!” She kept whispering.” From “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Choplin

Types of Characters Dynamic Character Static Character

Kinds of Characters DYNAMIC CHARACTER: a character who changes; should not END as he started. A change in the behaviors, opinions, attitudes is necessary. STATIC CHARACTER: If the character remains the same throughout the story he is called a STATIC CHARACTER. *Protagonist is usually the most dynamic character.

Point of View Indicator: How does the point of view of the story told affect the reader’s understanding of the characters and plot?

Point of View 1 st Person 3 rd Person

First Person Point of View told by one of its characters using “I” throughout.

Advantages Disadvantages Gives the reader an up close and personal view of the action Highlights the narrator’s thoughts, emotions, actions, reactions, and motivations Evokes the reader’s empathy/sympathy for that character’s situation Conceals hidden motives from the reader Controls what story details are relayed to the reader Leaves out important information about other characters First Person POV

Third Person Point of View When a story is told by a narrator outside of the story, it is said to be told in third person. There are TWO types…

Third Person Point of View Third Person Omniscient: Readers learn about multiple characters’ thoughts, feelings, motivations, actions Narrator has a “god-like” quality knowing all

Third Person Point of View Third Person Limited: Readers learn only about the main character’s thoughts, feelings, motivations, actions