Elements of Fiction Characters & Characterization

Today’s Target Reading and Analysis Fiction (a) I can explain and analyze the relationships among: conflict, plot, character, characterization, setting, tone, point of view, and theme. Vocabulary V1 - I can analyze the meaning of a word by breaking it down into prefixes, suffixes, and roots, finding cognates, and using synonyms and antonyms.

Characters  Individuals who participate in the action in a literary work.  Like real people, characters display qualities and character traits; develop and change over time; have motivations and reasons for their behaviors.

Characterization  The way a writer creates and develops characters’ personalities

Can you name the characters from the short story “The Most Dangerous Game”? How did you know? IVAN RAINSFORDZAROFF

Characterization Process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. TWO WAYS TO CHARACTERIZE:

Direct Characterization: Author TELLS the audience the character’s personality with direct description “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” What did the author TELL us about the boy? What did the author TELL us about the girl? Direct Characterization Patient Well mannered Obedient Quiet Well mannered Obedient

Indirect Characterization: Author SHOWS and INFERS to REVEAL the character’s personality There are five different methods of indirect characterization : Indirect Characterization

S Speech T Thought E Effect on others toward the character A Actions L LooksSTEAL

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION (indicate S, T, E, A, or L) Look over your Copy the Character Clues quotes and determine whether they are DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION or INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION (indicate S, T, E, A, or L) STEAL

On the worksheet, list JUST THE NAME of the characters in your SSR book Name

Characters Main CharactersMinor Characters Most important characters in literary works Lesser characters Plot of a short story focuses on one main character Help support the plot Plot of a novel may have several main characters Help with the action in the story Help the reader learn more about the main character

Round or Flat? What can a round ball do? What can a flat ball do?

Round Characters o Complex and highly developed character o Variety of personality traits Strengths Weaknesses Full range of emotions

Flat Character  NOT complex and NOT highly developed  Focus is on one character trait  Minor character who advances the plot

Dynamic or Static? What can dynamite do? What can static do?

Dynamic Character  Experiences important changes as the plot unfolds  Changes are usually internal (thoughts, actions)  Changes may be good or bad

Remains the same throughout the story Plot events do not change them Static Character

Characters in the short stories we have read – “American History”p.964 NameMain or MinorRound of FlatDynamic or Static Elena Mr. DePalma Gail Eugene Elena’s mom Eugene’s mom

Characters in the short stories we have read – “The Most Dangerous Game”p.60 NameMain or MinorRound of FlatDynamic or Static Whitney Rainsford Ivan Zaroff

Using the list of characters from your SSR book, complete the chart NameMain or MinorRound or FlatDynamic or Static