Introduction to Characterization

Beyond Physical Description Often, beginning writers confuse character development with physical description.  John has blond hair and brown eyes.  Mary has black hair and brown eyes. In most cases, the specific details of a character's looks are fairly unimportant to understanding the character. It may be important to know if a character is attractive or unattractive, since that can influence many aspects of the character's life.  But brown eyes?  That doesn't tell us much about who the person is.  It is one detail among many.

Ways to Develop Characters personal history; the character's past - thoughts and emotions - education and beliefs - way of moving, body language  - voice and communication style - temper, way of reacting to different situations - tastes, preferences, routines, habits - strengths, weaknesses, special talents - culture, social status - reputation (what other people have to say about the character) - physical environment, clothing, possessions

Habits, Tastes and Routines You can use a character's routines: -    to make the character feel more dimensional -    as plot opportunities -    for pacing -    to show a character's mood or mental state -    to give ammunition to a character's enemy Changes in a character's routine can show a change in the character or be an indication that something's wrong. When you describe a character's clothes, living space, or car, take advantage of an opportunity for character development.

Speech and Action You can use a character's speech to show the character's: -    background, education, culture -    personality -    thoughts and feelings at a specific point in the story -    relationship with the other participants in the conversation. Think about: -    the type of vocabulary the character uses -    the style and length of the character's sentences -    the rhythm of the character's conversation -    the sound of the character's voice What the character doesn't say can be as important as what he or she says. The reader can learn about a character from what other characters say about him or her. You can use one character's dialogue to provoke another character's reaction. You can create a contrast between a character's words and actions.  You can give your character certain behavioral patterns that will make readers feel as if they know him or her. Body language, physical responses, and facial expressions are other opportunities for character development.

Speech and Action What the character doesn't say can be as important as what he or she says. The reader can learn about a character from what other characters say about him or her. You can use one character's dialogue to provoke another character's reaction. You can create a contrast between a character's words and actions.  You can give your character certain behavioral patterns that will make readers feel as if they know him or her. Body language, physical responses, and facial expressions are other opportunities for character development.

Relationships Your character's relationships can show a lot about who your character is. Think about: -    What kinds of people your character is attracted to or repelled by -    What kinds of people your character attracts or repels -    How your character relates to different types of people. You can put your character in a relationship that brings out certain aspects of his or her personality. You can give your character a confidant and turn the character's thoughts into dialogue. Your antagonist will be more believable if he or she is a complex character as well. You can create characters who contrast with each other, bringing out certain qualities by comparison.  

Character Arc and Change The events in your story impact your characters, causing them to change.  For example: -    A character's feelings may change. -    A character's morals may change. -    Some potential in the character may be fulfilled. -    The character's commitment to solving the story conflict is likely to deepen as the story progresses. Showing change is easier with complex characters. For change to be believable; - The character has to have the potential for the change. - There has to be a reason for the change. - The change has to take place in a realistic time frame. The amount of time needed for a change depends on the type and size of the change and how dramatic the reason for it is.

The Clues to A Great story Andrew Stanton Ted Talk As you listen, think about ways you craft stories – your fiction, the stories you share with others, the stories you tell yourself. Be prepared to share your thoughts at the end of the talk.

Character Profiles Get your assigned chrome book, go to the class page, under Fiction then Characterization. Open the document entitled “Character Profiles”. Create TWO characters that you will be using throughout our fiction unit. Think it through as you will be working with them for the next few weeks.

Character Profile Sharing Have your partner read your two character sketches. Your partner will choose what he/she thinks is the single most interesting detail about each character. Your partner will choose a detail that he/she thinks does not fit the character or one that can be improved upon. Discuss the selections with the author. Be ready to share your character and what you think is your strongest detail about EACH character with the class