Getting Into Character: Characterization in Literature Mrs. Weil English

What is a Character? In literature, a character is any person (or animate object or animal) which plays a role or participates in the plot of the story.

What is Characterization? Characterization is the process by which authors create and develop a character over the course of a piece of literature. The author does this by revealing the character’s personality, or character traits, to the reader over the course of the story. There are two different types of characterization: DIRECT and INDIRECT

Direct Characterization Direct characterization very clearly TELLS the reader what a character is like by making direct statements about their personality. There is very little need to infer with direct characterization. Watch the introduction to Cinderella, and listen for ways in which Cinderella, her step-mother, and step-sisters are described by the narrator… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VhAQsCNBrI

Indirect Characterization Indirect characterization shows the reader what a character is like through his or her appearance, thoughts, words, and actions in the story. The reactions of other characters are also tools of this type of characterization. With this type of characterization, the reader has to make inferences about the character’s personality traits based upon these clues that are given throughout the story.

Elements of Indirect Characterization - STEAL There are five different elements of indirect characterization: S - What does the character SAY? T - What does the character THINK? E - What EFFECT does the character have on others? A - How does the character ACT? L - What does the character LOOK like?

S - What does the character SAY? We can draw conclusions about a characters personality based upon the things that they say and the way in which they speak (their tone). Watch Nemo’s first day of school in Finding Nemo… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWXOurnVTYg What can we infer about Marlin based upon what he says and how he says it? What can we infer about Nemo based upon the same criteria?

T - What does the character THINK? We can make inferences about a character’s personality based upon their own personal thoughts and feelings. Meet Merida from Brave… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bta-QUm5x3A What do we learn about Merida based upon the inner thoughts that she shares with the audience?

E - What EFFECT does the character have on other? We can also gather information about a character based upon the things that other characters say about him/her and the way in which other characters act toward him/her. Watch Maleficent’s arrival in Sleeping Beauty… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCV0hy6ex1c How do the other characters react to Maleficent’s arrival? What can you INFER about Maleficent based upon these reactions?

A - How does the character ACT? Another way in which we can learn about a character is by examining his or her behavior throughout a story. Watch Elsa’s coronation from Frozen… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtHtyk_MVmk How does Elsa act? What can we infer about Elsa based solely upon her facial expressions, actions, and body language?

L - What does the character LOOK like? Finally, we can gather information about a character based upon their physical appearance in the story. How a character dresses and presents himself/herself to society can affect our overall understanding of that character…although, looks can often be deceiving! Watch as Princess Anna meets Prince Hans for the first time in Frozen… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5wIzJr33Ko What can you (and Anna) infer about Hans based upon his physical appearance? Spoiler Alert!!! Does this turn out to be true?

Types of Characters: Flat & Round Flat Characters - Demonstrate one kind of personality trait or characteristic throughout the entire story. Round Characters - Have complex personalities and often demonstrate conflicted or contradictory thoughts and behaviors throughout the story.

Types of Characters: Static & Dynamic Static Characters - Show no evolution or change over the course of a story. Their personalities remain unchanged. Dynamic Characters - Change over time, usually as a result of their experiences over the course of the story.

Characterization Activity Examine the list of character traits in your notes packet. Choose THREE different traits, and for each trait, pick a well known character or celebrity who fits that trait. Then provide one example of something that they have done or said which demonstrates that they possess that character trait. Find a small picture of each choice and tape or glue it in the box provided.