CHARACTERIZATION

The Protagonist A protagonist is the main character in the story. Ex: Superman, Dorothy.

The Antagonist An antagonist is the character in conflict with the main character. Ex: Lex Luthor, The Wicked Witch of the West

Round Characters Round characters are many-sided. They are complex, have virtues and faults, and seem real. Ex: Harry Potter, Cinderella

Flat Characters Flat characters are only one-sided or have only one trait. They are stereotypical (they don’t have any depth to them). Ex: Cinderella’s stepsisters

Dynamic! A dynamic character changes over the course of the story. Ex: Mr. Scrooge

Static A static character does not change in the course of a story. Ex: Rumpelstiltskin

Direct Characterization The author makes direct statements about what the character is like. Ex: Mark was a boring person.

Indirect Characterization The reader must figure out what the character is like. Ex: Mark said nothing during the entire conversation. He simply sat there and stared at us.

Indirect Characterization Character is revealed through “STEAL” Speech—What does the character say? Thoughts—What is revealed through character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others—What is revealed through the character’s effect on other characters? Actions—What does the character do? How does the character behave? Looks—What does the character look like?