Character Development: Direct and Indirect

Characterization Characterization: The creation or construction of a fictional character; The process by which the author reveals the personality of characters Good authors put lots of effort into making their characters seem REAL- otherwise, readers won’t care about the story or the characters enough to continue the story.

Character Development- Dynamic Characters The protagonist (main character) of a story should be dynamic Dynamic characters show growth and development; change occurs between the exposition and resolution. Example: In The Treasure of Lemon Brown, the main character Greg was dynamic. At the beginning of the story, Greg was angry at his father. His father didn’t allow him to play baseball due to poor grades. By the end of the story, Greg realized that family is a treasure. He realized his father only wanted the best for his son. Greg realized he was taking his father’s love for granted- and he was no longer angry with his father.

Character Development- Static Characters Static characters show no growth or change throughout a story, despite any conflict. The character is basically the same (emotionally, mentally) at the beginning and the end of the story. Example: In The Treasure of Lemon Brown, Lemon Brown is a static character. Lemon Brown does not have any new experiences that change his personality or force him to grow. Lemon Brown is still homeless, and will still fight anyone who might take his treasure. Lemon Brown served a purpose in the story- his experience with “treasure” taught Greg what true treasure is.

STATIC STATIC STATIC STATIC DYNAMIC DYNAMIC DYNAMIC DYNAMIC Static or Dynamic? Think about each character at the beginning and end of the movie. DYNAMIC STATIC STATIC STATIC STATIC DYNAMIC DYNAMIC DYNAMIC

You will do this through direct and indirect characterization. In your historical fiction narrative, you will need to develop a dynamic protagonist. You will do this through direct and indirect characterization. This is similar to Show Not Tell (discussed earlier this year): Direct characterization is TELLING readers about a character Indirect characterization is SHOWING readers about a character

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. Direct characterization is often boring to read.

Indirect Characterization Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. It is much more interesting for readers to make inferences! There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL be sure to remember this acronym!!)

Indirect- STEAL 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!” Billy chirped enthusiastically. This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.

Indirect- STEAL Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? Example: I don’t feel like anyone wants me at the party. If I go, I worry I’ll be lonely and that nobody will talk to me. I wish I could stay home and read a book instead! This shows us the character is anxious about the party. The character is a “bookworm” and is not comfortable in social situations.

Indirect- STEAL 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 superhero flew to help the victim. As she flew to the crime scene, the crowd cheered loudly. A huge, relieved smile appeared on the victim’s face when he saw the superhero appear. This shows us that the superhero is admired and beloved. The crowd and victim appreciate the superhero.

Indirect- STEAL Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave? Example: Shayna sneered at the Tim, the new boy in class. She pointed to his shoes and laughed with her best friend, Tina. As Shayna walked past Tim, she stepped on his binder and left a large footprint. Instead of apologizing, she giggled and strutted out of the room. This shows us that Shayna is rude and mean. She is not welcoming to new students

Indirect- STEAL Looks- What does the character look like? How does the character dress? Example: Everyday, man wore a sharply pressed suit. I have yet to see him repeat an outfit- but each suit was tasteful and tailored. His gold watch glittered and I could see my reflection in his lacquered, polished shoes. His briefcase was made of Italian leather. This tells us the man is wealthy, cares about his appearance, and has a well-paying job.