Characterization and Character Types

Think About: The difference between direct and indirect? How might a guy “direct”ly let a girl know he is interested in her? How might a guy “indirect”ly let a girl know he is interested in her?

Direct Characterization Direct Characterization: the author/narrator makes direct statements about a character’s traits. The author tells us about the character’s personality to our face. TELLING 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 Characterization Indirect Characterization: the author or narrator reveals a character’s traits through actions and speech. SHOWING Example When Jane walked in the room, nobody could help but look at her stunning, gorgeous face. She commanded attention wherever she went due to her good looks. Jane is beautiful. Jim was very unlike any other businessman. He made sure that all his clients got what they had paid for. Jim is honest and hardworking

STEAL Method Speech Thoughts Effect on others Actions Looks

Indirect Characterization SPEECH - What does the character say? How does the character speak? THOUGHTS - What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? EFFECTS - What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? ACTIONS - What does the character do? How does the character behave? LOOKS - What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Direct or Indirect Characterization? A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. Direct!

Direct or Indirect Characterization? B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.” Indirect!

Types of Characters Writers use characterization to create different types of character. Despite the wide variety of characters writer’s create, all characters can be divided into four basic categories. Flat Round Static Dynamic

Flat Characters Flat characters are relatively two-dimensional. They are shallow personalities used to create conflict, establish themes, offer comic relief, etc.. Flat characters tend to be supporting characters in a story who serve a specific purpose. Think of the carved side of a Jack-O-Lantern. The character might be frightening, funny, sweet, rude, etc., but all you really see is that one side.

Round Characters Round characters are multi-dimensional. Round characters often demonstrate conflicting personality traits which make them feel more like “real” people. Round characters tend to be central to a story ,typically playing major roles in the plot. Think of choosing a pumpkin for your Jack-O-Lantern. You’re going to see imperfections and sides of the pumpkin that you’re going to try and hide.

Static Characters Static characters remain the same or “static” throughout a story. Static characters do not evolve or grow as a result of events in the story. Static characters tend to be less interesting than dynamic characters. They either have nothing to learn, or learn nothing. Either way, they do not change.

Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters experience change over the course of a story as a result of various events. This change is often referred to as “character development” or “character arc.” Note: the “change” of a dynamic character does not refer to situation or circumstance but rather to a change in their personality.

Flat or Round Static or Dynamic

Flat or Round Static or Dynamic

Flat or Round Static or Dynamic