Characterization

Characterization Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters. There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect.

Direct Characterization Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.” The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Indirect Characterization Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Indirect Characterization Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak? Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.

Indirect Characterization Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Indirect Characterization Effect on Others- What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Indirect Characterization Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave? Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage. This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

Indirect Characterization Looks- What does the character look like? How does the character dress? Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face. This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING v. SHOWING! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

Motivation To understand characterization, readers need to recognize motivation. Motivation is the force that drives a character to think, feel, or behave in a certain way. Characters can be motivated by the desire to succeed the need for revenge the burden of guilt or shame the hope of redemption

Conflict All conflicts are either internal or external conflicts. Internal Conflict- a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within a character (character vs. self) External Conflict- a struggle that occurs between a character and some outside force (character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society)

Characters The protagonist is motivated by a goal, aspiration, or desire uses his or her strengths to overcome conflicts or obstacles that stand in the way of this goal

Characters The antagonist is motivated by a goal, aspiration, or desire Often this goal is to frustrate, challenge, hurt, or destroy the protagonist. uses his or her strengths to stop the actions of the protagonist

Round and Flat Characters In addition to being classified as major or minor, characters can also be classified as round or flat.

Round Characters Characters that are described in depth, with many details, are well-rounded characters. They are called round characters. The main character in a story is almost always round. If you are reading a story and you feel like you know a character extremely well, then most likely the character is round.

Characters Flat characters tend to be the minor characters in a story are often stock characters or stereotypes whose emotions and behavior are predictable are valuable to understanding the desires and motivations of the major or round characters

Static Characters Static = not moving or changing In order for a character to be considered a static character, the character must remain basically the same throughout the entire story. The character does not undergo any internal changes.

Dynamic Characters A dynamic character is a character that undergoes an internal change sometime between the beginning and end of the story. The change in the character is usually crucial to the story itself.

Stock Characters A stock characters is a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers. They are ‘stock’ or ‘typecast’ or ‘stereotypical’ characters Examples include: the ruthless businessman the shushing old, white-haired librarian, the dumb jock They are not focus characters nor are they developed in the story. (They fulfill background or filler roles.)