Characterization An M & M Production

Copy this in Literary Elements: Characterization The people, animals, natural objects, or supernatural objects that drive a story are the characters. Two main types of characters: Protagonist: the heroes or the principal character. Antagonist: the villains that oppose the protagonist.

Direct and Indirect Characterization Direct characterization is when an author describes a character. Indirect characterization is character development by what the character says/does/thinks, and what other characters say/think about him. TOADS

TOADS Character Analysis T – Thinks, O – Others think & say, A – Appearance, D – Does, S - Says

Characterization Round Protagonist Flat Antagonist Dynamic Foil Static Three-dimensional personality Flat Only one or two striking qualities—all bad or all good Dynamic Grows and progress to a higher level of understanding Static Remain unchanged throughout the story Protagonist Main character Antagonist Character or force that opposes the main character Foil Character that provides a contrast to the protagonist

Literary Analysis: Character A character is a person or an animal who takes part in the action of a literary work. A round character is complex, showing many different qualities—revealing faults as well as virtues. For example, a character might be honest but foolish or dishonest but intelligent. A flat character is one-dimensional, showing only a single trait. A dynamic character develops, changes, and learns something during the course of a story, unlike a static character, who remains the same. The main character of a story is almost always a round character and is usually dynamic. The main character’s development and growth are often central to a story’s plot and theme. As you read, consider the traits that make characters seem round or flat, dynamic or static.

Characterization Some words that authors use to describe characters are: bossy helpful scared brave honest happy careful kind neat friendly proud mean hard-working shy nice funny wise angry

Characterization honest hard-working helpful careful kind Example: Ben helped his mother in the store. He put boxes on the shelf. He didn’t drop any boxes. Mr. Kirk left some money at the store. Ben followed him outside to give him the money. What words would you use to tell about Ben? honest hard-working helpful careful kind

Characterization brave proud shy scared Example: Tippy had a bone. A bigger dog wanted it. Tippy was afraid. She stood over her bone and barked. The big dog ran away. Tippy was glad she hadn’t lost her bone. What words would you use to tell about Tippy? brave proud shy scared

Characterization Example: Amy kept her library books together on a shelf. She put away all her toys carefully. Amy was very… upset neat mean

Characterization Example: Joe’s friend Tom laughed a lot. He always had a smile on his face. Tom was a ___________ person. surprised naughty happy

Characterization Example: Lisa’s little brother hid her skates under the bed. He hid her favorite book. He was being ________________. calm naughty nice

Characterization Example: When Erin needed help, Mother always knew how to help. Erin’s mother was very ________________. wise funny angry

Characterization Example: David read all the books about the forest that he could find. He also talked with the forest rangers to learn more. David was ____________________. gentle curious scared

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