Character Development Characterization

Characterization The way in which an author develops (reveals) a character’s personality Two primary methods: Direct Indirect

Direct Characterization When the narrator makes direct remarks about a character’s personality Third-person narrator (either omniscient or third-person limited) When the narrator tells us what we should think about a character When the narrator judges a character “Joe was the worst kind of bully.” “Joe was the kindest of angels.” Focus is on telling (instead of showing)

Indirect Characterization When a narrator reveals a character’s personality by showing (rather than telling) What the character says, What the character thinks, What the character does, How the character appears/dresses, What other characters say about him or her. The narrator gives the clues; the readers have to draw their own conclusions based on what they observe in the reading.