Literary Elements: Character PLOT Ninth Grade Literature

Characterization: The act of creating and developing a character Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization Author directly states a character’s traits “She was one of those pretty, charming young women…” Author provides clues about a character by describing what the character looks like, does, and says as well as how others react to him or her Acting or speaking

Character Division Protagonist Antagonist 1. The main character 2.The character with which the reader becomes emotionally involved. 1. The character, force or character flaw in conflict with the main character, protagonist

Kinds of Characters Round Character Flat Character A complex, three- dimensional character Show many different qualities including faults and virtues A one-dimensional character Showing a single trait

Character Change? Dynamic Character Static Character A character who develops, changes, and learns something during the course of the story This is not a mental rather than a physical transformation A character who stays the same during the course of the story

Let’s Think About It Protagonist: Are they usually round or flat? Round- the main characters development is usually central to a story’s plot of theme Protagonist: Are they usually dynamic or static? Dynamic- the main characters growth is usually central to a story’s plot of theme

Now it’s your turn! Choose a partner. Choose a movie or book. Identify the protagonist and antagonist. Are they dynamic or static? Why? Are they flat or round? Why?

CONFLICT A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces. There are two types of conflict: External and Internal External: The main character struggles with an external force be it man or nature(Man vs. Nature and Man vs. Society) Internal: A character is in conflict with him/herself. (Man vs. Self)

Plot (definition) Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

Foreshadow The use of hints that give the reader a clue about something that is going to happen It does not reveal the ending or spoiling the suspense. 

Flashback It is interruptions that writers do to insert past events. It provides background or context to the current events of a narrative.