English I Honors

Seven Character Types in Fiction 1. Confidante  someone in whom the central character confides; his or her “best friend” 2. Dynamic  A character who changes during the course of the text 3. Static  A character who remains the same throughout the text.

4. Flat  Reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change. 5. Round  Demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits; well developed. 6. Stock  Instantly recognizable to most readers – always a flat character. 7. Foil  Used to enhance another character through contrast.

In literature, how do we determine characterization?  The character’s:  Physical description  Words and actions  Thoughts  The other character’s words/actions/feelings toward primary character  Direct characterization; narrator’s direct comments

Physical Description  “Her eyes stayed keen and bright” (2).  “Her body relaxed” (2).  “She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength (1).” Words and Actions  “Free, free, free… Free! Body and soul free!” (2).  “Go away. I am not making myself ill” (2).

Thoughts  “She saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely” (2).  “What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in face of this possession of self- assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being! “ (2).  “She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long” (2).

Words/Thoughts/Actions of other characters  “…great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death” (1).  “…Richards’ quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife” (2).  “Josephine was kneeling before the closed door with her lips to the keyhole, imploring for her admission” (2).

Direct Characterization  “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble…” (1).  “she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window” (2).

 DON’T rely on crutches.  Avoid clichés or predictable responses to problems.  However; stay consistent with your characterization.  DO empathize with your character.  Empathy : to identify with another’s feelings.  Try to understand your character’s experiences.  DON’T sympathize with your characters.  Sympathy : to share another’s feelings.  Avoid “feeling bad” for your character; you’ll write them out of situations.  Don’t “ease their sufferings”

Do’s and Don’ts of Creating Character  DON’T start your character off with a name or a physical description.  You as the author have preconceived notions about names & physical attributes based on the people you’ve encountered in your life.  The focus of your character may become his/her physical mannerisms.  DO start developing your character by giving him a problem, a dramatic need, a compulsion.  “My main character wants ________ more than anything in the world.” How will your character achieve that goal?  “My character wants to avoid ________.”

 DO write from your own life but DON’T make your story about your life.  Use your experiences to make your characters believable.  Be creative with your experiences.