 a person or animal in a story Character  a person or animal in a story

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Characterization The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story. There are two types of characterization: direct or indirect

Characterization Sooooooooooo… Characterization is the description or portrayal (either directly or indirectly) of a character in a story.

Direct Characterization The method of character development in which the author simply TELLS you what the character is like. For example, “Miss Alice was the nicest person you would ever want to meet,” is direct characterization.

Direct Characterization When directly characterizing, think TELLING! An author will straight forwardly, straight up, and directly (TO THE POINT) tell you character traits.

Indirect Characterization The method of characterization that is most similar to the way we learn about people in real life. Using indirect characterization, the author presents the character’s personality through what he/she says, his/her actions, or how other characters relate to him/her. You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.

Indirect Characterization When indirectly characterizing, think SHOWING! An author will, in a round about and jagged arrow, present or SHOW you character traits. You have to read between the lines to understand the character’s traits.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization? Read the following example of characterization. Decide whether it is an example of direct or indirect characterization. (A) James was one of those people who was constantly angry. He looked for trouble wherever he went, and he usually found it. DIRECT

Description A is an example of direct characterization because…. The author comes right out and tells you that James was always ANGRY, and that he was LOOKING for a fight almost constantly.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization? Stanley’s eyes blazed as he surveyed the room. The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he stalked past her. “Look out for Stan,” she whispered to Bart. “He’s in another one of his moods. I’d stay far away if I were you!” INDIRECT

Description B is an example of indirect characterization because... We can TELL from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he walked that he is angry. Also, we can see that others are somewhat frightened by him by observing their reactions. Carol moves aside and warns Bart to avoid Stanley.

Which method is more effective in developing the character? Why do you think so?

Methods of Characterization creating believable characters… INDIRECT DIRECT -speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character -the narrator’s direct comments about a character -speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters -a direct description of physical appearance of character ?

Major Character Minor Character The major (main) character in a story is like the star of a movie and is central to the action that takes place. Minor Character A minor character is one who takes part in the action but is not the focus of attention.

Types of Characters The protagonist (or typically the main character) is the central figure in the work; the good guy. The antagonist is the character or force pitted against the protagonist; the bad guy.

More types of characters: A static character does not change through the course of the action. A dynamic character is one who does change.

A static character does NOT change. A dynamic character changes over time.

Don’t forget the Stock Character… A stock character (stereotype) is one found again and again in literary works. An example of a stock character is that of the mad scientist that appears over and over in different works – such as Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or Dr. Frankenstein.

More types of characters: A round character is a complex, fully developed character. A flat character is a one-dimensional character, typically not central to the story.

A round character has a complex personality. A flat character has only one personality or character trait.

The protagonist is usually… The central character - good guy. A character the reader can identify with; they’re relatable. Has a rounded personality (we hear what they say, what others say about them, we know what they think and how they feel). And/Or also character with a dynamic personality.

Secondary characters are usually… Flat Static

QUIZ TIME 1. Main person or persons in a story. a) Minor Characters b) Major Characters c) Manure Chips 2. Supporting characters in a story. a) Major characters b) Minor characters c) Supportive characters 3. A character who experiences a change or development over the course of the narrative: a) dynamic character b) round character c) flat character d) static character

QUIZ TIME 4. A static character is: d) round character a) The way a writer reveals the personality of a character b) character that doesn’t change in the course of a story c) Character that does change in the course of a work 5. The bad guy; character working against main character. a) plot b) antagonist c) Protagonist 6. A well-developed character: a) dynamic character b) flat character c) static character d) round character

QUIZ TIME 7. A superhero would be which type of character? a) flat/round b) flat/static c) flat/dynamic d) static/dynamic 8. A character who’s so one-dimensional they’re predictable is: a) static b) flat c) round d) Dynamic 9. A dynamic character... a) doesn't change b) changes physically c) changes personality

QUIZ TIME 10. Most protagonists are: a) flat/static b) flat/round c) round/dynamic d) round/static 11. Most minor characters are: 12. Personally, [insert your name here] is which character type: round dynamic flat or static

Character Motivation A motive is a reason that explains or partially explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or speech. If the motives of a main character are not clear, then the character will not be believable. Characters are often motivated by needs, such as food and shelter. They are also motivated by feelings, such as fear, love, and pride. Motives may be obvious or hidden.

Character’s Qualities or Traits The personal traits that make up the character’s personality.

Dialogue Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is usually set off by quotation marks to indicate a speaker’s exact words.