Identifying the Elements of Literature: Character Student Notes English I Mrs. Nagy

Character (definition) A character is a person or sometimes an animal or other being in a story (short story, novel, play, poem, movie, etc.).

Types of Characters Round Flat Dymamic Static Foil Protagonist Antagonist

Types of Characters Defined Round Character - a round character is fully developed, meaning we know lots about the character; readers may even be able to anticipate the actions of a round character if the characterization is well done and consistent. Flat Character - we know very little about a flat character; flat characters are not meant to serve as main characters. They serve as necessary elements in plot or as elements of the setting.

Types of Characters Defined Dynamic Character - a dynamic character is one who changes by the end of the story, learning something that changes him or her in a permanent way. Static Character - static characters do not change; they are the same person at the end of the story as they were at the beginning.

Types of Characters Defined Foil Character - a foil character is in most ways opposite to the main character. The purpose of the foil character is to emphasize the traits of the main character by contrast. Protagonist - the main character of the story or the character you are “rooting for” to succeed (meet the goal or solve the conflict). The protagonist is not always a “nice guy” or hero. Antagonist - the force that works against the protagonist; the antagonist does not have to be a person (remember from conflict that forces of nature, a society, or even a flaw of the protagonist can be an antagonist).

Types of Characters Grouped Typically your main character will be… –The protagonist –Round –Dynamic Other major characters will be… –Foils –The antagonist –Round –Static Minor characters will be… –Flat –Static

Characterization Definition - the process by which the author reveals the character’s personality or what the character is like, who he or she is.

Types of Characterization Direct Characterization – the author directly states or tells the reader what the characters are like. Example – The girl was very shy, but also very beautiful, and therefore, always attracting attention. Indirect Characterization – the author does not directly state what the character is like and the reader has to decode a series of clues that reveal the character’s personality traits.

Indirect Characterization How do we know what clues to look for? Remember SATDO! S – What the character says A – The character’s appearance or environment T – The character’s thoughts D – What the character does O – What other characters say about the character

How do we use SATDO? As you read more and more complex texts, you will use SATDO clues to develop a deeper understanding of characters. If you actually pause to consider each of these things about a character, you can learn quite a bit about them! If you are asked a question in which you have to identify examples of character traits, SATDO is very helpful.