Literary Elements Characterization

Analyze Characters What are characters: People in a story; in a folktale or a fable, an animal or even an object can be a character. What are characters: People in a story; in a folktale or a fable, an animal or even an object can be a character. Main character- central character in a story Main character- central character in a story

Character Traits Special qualities that the author gives the characters to make them come alive for the reader. Special qualities that the author gives the characters to make them come alive for the reader. How they look How they look How they dress How they dress How they act How they act How they feel How they feel Personality – what the character says and does and how other characters react to him or her. Personality – what the character says and does and how other characters react to him or her.

Character Conflicts or Struggles With another character—Example: a competition With another character—Example: a competition With a group of characters—Example: an angry mob With a group of characters—Example: an angry mob Against a force of nature — a hurricane Against a force of nature — a hurricane Within the character – fear of water Within the character – fear of water

Motivations – reasons a character does what they do Motivations – reasons a character does what they do Relationships – ties between characters; relationships and traits can CHANGE. Changes characters undergo help make the story more interesting. Relationships – ties between characters; relationships and traits can CHANGE. Changes characters undergo help make the story more interesting. Point of View - helps the reader know who is telling the story Point of View - helps the reader know who is telling the story

Point of View Third-person – the narrator is outside the action; sometimes knows how other characters think and feel Third-person – the narrator is outside the action; sometimes knows how other characters think and feel First-person – the narrator is one of the characters—the narrator uses the word “I” – does not know about other characters’ thoughts and feelings First-person – the narrator is one of the characters—the narrator uses the word “I” – does not know about other characters’ thoughts and feelings