Character Development

What is character development? The unfolding or growth of a character as the plot develops

Direct/ Explicit Characterization The author clearly identifies the personality and character traits to the audience. Direct characterization can be accomplished via the narrator, the character or another character.

Example Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect/Implicit Characterization The author implies characterization. The audience must infer for themselves and develop characterizations by analyzing a character’s physical appearance, personality, thoughts, feelings, actions, speech and interaction with other characters and other character’s reactions. The audience is responsible for identifying the significance of what a character says, how a character acts and reactions to situations.

Example If a mother calmly tells her son it's time for bed and he responds by saying, “No, I don't have to do what you say! I'm staying up all night!” then we can infer that this young boy is angry, stubborn and may have authority issues. The author is not telling us directly what type of personality the boy has; instead we must decide this based on the author's use of speech.

Indirect/Implicit Characterization There are 5 different methods of indirect characterization: Speech What does the character say or doesn’t say? How does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on other characters What is revealed about the character’s effect on other characters? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? How does the character act in different situations? Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress? What does the character’s appearance say about his/her personality?

Tips TIP #1: Use the mnemonic device of STEAL to remember the five types of indirect characterization TIP #2: Use indirect characterization to analyze visual media: Film: Look at how the character dresses and moves. Note the facial expressions when the director moves in for a close-up shot. Drama: Pay attention to the way that the characters reveal their thoughts during a soliloquy.