CHARACTERIZATION

CHARACTER In order to enjoy a story, the author must include characters that the readers care about, relate to, understand, or even love. Writers give characters distinct qualities and motivations, in order to create a response in the reader. These qualities are called character traits. Combined, they describe the personality of a character. When writers show a reader what a character is like, it is called characterization.

CHARACTER There are two types of characterization: Direct Characterization: The writer tells you exactly what a character is like. Commonly found in stories over 100 years old. Indirect Characterization: The reader must figure out what a character is like. The author provides the following clues: Appearance: What the character looks like, what type of clothing they wear, etc.

CHARACTER Actions: What a character does; how he/she behaves. Speech: How a character sounds; the words they use and how they use them. Thoughts and Feelings: The way a character feels about the world and what is going on around them. Other Characters’ Reactions: How other characters in the story feel about and interact with the character.

CHARACTER The main character in a story is called the protagonist. The main character who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with the protagonist is called the antagonist. The protagonist is not necessarily the “good guy,” and the antagonist is not necessarily considered a “bad guy.”