Literary Elements Notes

Character

Types of Characters: Protagonist Antagonist

the main character, or hero, of a story Protagonist: the main character, or hero, of a story (the one we root for)

Antagonist: any character who opposes the protagonist (often the “villain” of the story)

Examples: Protagonist = Harry Potter Antagonist = Voldemort Protagonist = Batman Antagonist = Joker Protagonist =Luke Skywalker Antagonist = Darth Vader

Development of Characters: Flat Character Round Character

Flat Character: an undeveloped character; a “walk-on” (not very important to the action or outcome)

Round Character: a fully-developed character (we see many different sides to these main characters)

Examples: Flat = Whitney Ivan ??? Round = Rainsford General Zaroff

Change in Characters: Dynamic Character Static Character

Dynamic Character: Remember: dynamic = different

Faces a life-changing event Dynamic Character: Faces a life-changing event

Dynamic Character: 2. Experiences an “epiphany” (a sudden moment of revelation – the lightbulb moment!)

3. Changes a basic attitude or belief Dynamic Character: 3. Changes a basic attitude or belief

4. Undergoes a personality or “deep” change Dynamic Character: 4. Undergoes a personality or “deep” change

Static Character: Remember: static = same

Static Character: Same actions 2. Same attitude 3. Same behavior 4. Same values

Methods of Characterization: Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization: the author tells us directly what a character is like

Indirect Characterization: the author shows us or hints at what a character is like

Indirect Characterization: 1. What they say 2. What they think 3. What they do 4. How others react to them

Direct Characterization: Indirect Characterization: Examples: Direct Characterization: Bob was a selfish boy and a nasty bully. Indirect Characterization: Even though Bob had already had one slice of pizza, he stole 5 more from the other boys during lunch.

Direct Characterization: Indirect Characterization: Examples: Direct Characterization: Julie could never make up her mind. She owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try. Indirect Characterization: Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Character