Learning About Characters Characterization Learning About Characters

Protagonist and Antagonist Character who drives the action of the story by striving to achieve a goal. Can be more than one and they can change Antagonist Character who hinders the protagonists progress towards his/her goal.

Dynamic and Static Characters Dynamic: changes in the story Personality, character, values change; not physical changes Static: does NOT change in the story

Round and Flat Characters Round: fully developed, 3-dimensional You get to know them well from multiple aspects Flat: not fully developed Not usually major characters Usually there to help the plot along

Internal and External Conflicts Internal: within a single character Can be many in a single character Can be in conjunction with External Not all characters must have one External: between two characters or forces.

Motivation What makes a character do what they do? What are the driving forces that explain their actions?

Characterization Techniques Direct Characterization: author tells you something directly about a character “Jim was a proud man.” Indirect Characterization: author communicates something about a character without saying it directly. 5 different techniques

Indirect Characterization Techniques Spoken Words Jim said, “I really don’t know what to do. I never seem to know what to do.” Private Thoughts Jim pondered the meaning of life and his place in the universe. Actions Jim stomped through the halls, his fists clenched, bumping into kids along the way.

Indirect Characterization Techniques Appearance Jim wore holey, worn out bluejeans; his shirt had mustard stains on the front; his hair was disheveled and his fingernails looked as if he’d been digging in a sandbox. Jim’s room was strewn with clothing, his bed was unmade, the air was stagnant and stale, and the cobwebs gathered in each corner of the ceiling.

Indirect Characterization Techniques Words or reactions of other characters Fred told Jerry, “Have you seen Jim today? It looks like he hasn’t showered in a month. I think he must be going through a very hard time. He is normally so neat and tidy.” Everyone moves away from Jim as he stormed down the hall. No one wanted to get in his way.