Elements of Literature Character

Character An animal or person who takes part in the action of a literary work. An animal or person who takes part in the action of a literary work.

Types of Characters Protagonist: the main character Protagonist: the main character Antagonist: the force that works against the main character Antagonist: the force that works against the main character

Types of Characters Static character: an unchanging character Static character: an unchanging character Dynamic character: develops and grows during the course of the story; a change takes place Dynamic character: develops and grows during the course of the story; a change takes place

Types of Characters Round character: fully developed; shows many different traits Round character: fully developed; shows many different traits Flat character: Flat character: shows only one trait shows only one trait

CharacterDynamicStatic Round Considered the best type of character development. Usually the protagonist and often the antagonist as well. Dr. Jekyll and Hyde, Aladdin Development is considered well-done. Often found in protagonists in books for younger children or in a supporting/side-kick role. Abu, Robin, James Bond Flat Characters cannot be dynamic and flat, because in a flat character we do not know enough about them for them to recognize a change. If a flat character seems to change, it is usually due to poor writing. N/A In very simple books, or in fairy tales, the protagonist may be flat and static. Also appropriate for minor characters in other books. Giving Tree, LOTR Gollum, Jafar

The Foil Foil - a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. An opposite to the protagonist. Foil - a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. An opposite to the protagonist. Example: Cinderella’s grace and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one clear illustration of a foil many may recall from childhood. Example: Cinderella’s grace and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one clear illustration of a foil many may recall from childhood.

Characterization The act of creating and developing a character The act of creating and developing a character

Characterization Direct characterization: the writer directly tells a character’s traits Direct characterization: the writer directly tells a character’s traits Indirect characterization: 5 methods Indirect characterization: 5 methods 1) Appearance 1) Appearance 2) Speech 2) Speech 3) Thoughts/feelings 3) Thoughts/feelings 4) Actions 4) Actions 5) Reactions of 5) Reactions of others others

Guess the Character Character #1 Character #1 Character #2 Character #2 Character #3 Character #3 Character #4 Character #4