Characterization The description of character traits and how characters are described or portrayed in a work of literature

Flat Character a character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the traits do not change. Example: In Cinderella the reader knows about the step-sisters. These sisters are portrayed as cruel and selfish. The reader does not know any more about them.

Round Character a well-developed character that the reader knows a lot about. The reader can see many sides of this character. (usually dynamic too) Example: In The Outsiders, Ponyboy shares a lot with the reader. We know that he is smart, yet also a Greaser. We know that he is loyal to his gang, but is not a “typical” Greaser. He wears a black leather jacket, comes from a “broken” family, and greases his hair; Pony is also sensitive and loves to read.

Dynamic Character a character who changes during the course of a story or novel Example: Ebenezer Scrooge, in A Christmas Carol by Dickens, was very stingy with his money. He worked his employees very, very hard for little pay. After his experiences with the ghosts that visited him, he changed his ways, paying his employees a more than fair wage, providing days off work and actually giving gifts.

Static Character a character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not change their outlook or personality. Example: In The Outsiders, Dallas Winston is a tough, cold troublemaker who disregards the rules. He is that way at the beginning of the book through his death at the end of the book. His outlook on life does not change

Please circle the correct description for each character. 1 Please circle the correct description for each character. 1. Dallas Winston, from The Outsiders, is an example of a _______________ character. A. dynamic B. static   2. The Wolf, from The Three Little Pigs, is an example of a _______________ character. A. dynamic B. static 3. Johnny Cade, from The Outsiders, is an example of a _______________ character. A. dynamic B. static 4. Kenny (Killer) Kane, from Freak the Mighty, is an example of a _______________ character. A. dynamic B. static 5. Rikki, from Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, is an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat 6. The stepsisters, from Cinderella, are an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat 7. Ponyboy, from The Outsiders, is an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat 8. Blade, from Freak the Mighty, is an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat 9. Marcia, from The Outsiders, is an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat 10. Ariel (the “Little Mermaid”), from The Little Mermaid, is an example of a _______________ character. A. round B. flat