What is a Character? What is a character? An agent (in literature) with one or more personality traits. What is a personality trait? A distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person (ex: generous, impatient, kind, etc.). A trait can determine how a person reacts to and interacts with a situation/environment. Lisa Simpson is creative, responsible, & considerate The Wicked Witch is spiteful, cunning, & selfish Gorillas are narcissistic, aggressive, perfectionists!

Protagonist or Antagonist? Good or Evil? Round or Flat? Protagonist or Antagonist? Good or Evil? What is a flat character? What is a round character? What is a protagonist? What is an antagonist? A flat character is one dominated by a single trait. A round character is more complex and fully developed. A protagonist is the central figure often characterized by his/her ability to change/evolve. An antagonist creates or represents obstacles the protagonist must overcome.

What is Characterization? What is direct characterization? What is indirect characterization? What are methods of indirect characterization? Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals a character’s personality. Direct characterization occurs when the author TELLS (literally) what the character is like. Indirect characterization occurs when the author SHOWS (and the reader must deduce) what the character is like through the following clues: S.-Speech: What does the character say? How does he/she talk? T.-Thoughts: What is revealed about the character’s private thoughts and feelings? E.-Effect on Others: How do other others feel or behave in reaction to the character? A.-Actions: How does the character behave? L.-Looks: What is the character’s appearance? How does he/she dress?

Character Traits Honest Conceited Cynical Mischievous Demanding Thoughtful Courageous Humble Reckless Diligent Modest Impulsive Simple-minded Selfish/Unselfish Ambitious Absent-minded Boastful Careless Bossy Gluttonous Tyrannical Short-tempered Independent Inventive Compassionate Gentle Proud Self-reliant Loyal Responsible Curious Reserved Energetic Cautious Clever Charming Empathetic Courteous Soft-hearted Stern Stubborn Suspicious Trusting Wise Withdrawn Cruel Dependable Determined Dreamy Cowardly Fierce Greedy Obedient Patient Polite Quarrelsome Shy Shrewd Sharp-witted Sentimental Sensitive Serious Restless Attentive Tolerant Submissive Decisive Ignorant Persistent Devious Prudent Meek Forgiving Imaginative Repugnant Licentious Brutish Jovial Abrasive Boisterous Compliant Exuberant Insecure Intuitive Ornery Merciful Overbearing Combative Reclusive Pert

Lets Practice “Lennie dabbled his paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go. ‘Look, George. Look what I done’” (Steinbeck 3). Method of characterization? Speech and Actions What does the quotation teach the reader about Lennie? He is simple and easily amuzed. Her is curious about the simple pleasures in life. He is connected to to animals. This could mean is is unwieldy or it could mean he is loyal.

Lets Practice “Well, look. Lennie– if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an ‘hide in the brush… Hide in the brush till I come for you. Can you remember that?’” (Steinbeck 14-15). Method of characterization Speech What do we learn about George in this quote? He is a leader. He is not just a friend. He acts like a parent and tries to protect Lennie.