Literary Element: Characterization Literature and Composition

Wednesday, October 30th Aim: What are the different types of characterization, and how are they all important in their own right? Objectives: To define the differences between static and dynamic characters. To list direct and indirect characterization techniques Do Now: (Turn and talk to a partner) Create a list of the various characters in the first chapter of John Steinbeck’s The Pearl with a short description of each.

Characterization Direct: The writer tells us directly what the character is like Indirect: The writer shows things that reveal the personality of a character (five different methods of doing this)

S peech: what does the character say, and how does the character speak? T houghts: what is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? E ffect: The effect of others toward the character? What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? A ctions: What does the character do? How does the character behave? L ooks: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Types of Characters Flat/static: minor character who does not undergo changes; plays a supporting role Round/dynamic: major character who encounters conflict and undergoes change because of it; fully developed Stereotype/stock: characters based on common literary or social stereotypes Foil: a character who contrasts with another (protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of that character

Protagonist Main character; often referred to as the “hero” Not always the good guy– then, he’s known as the “anti-hero” Examples? Always a round/dynamic character

Antagonist The character opposed to the protagonist– often referred to as the “villain” Not always a person– it could be an institution or an ideology

Characterization Worksheet Page 4 of your packets. Complete for homework if not completed in class