Characters The people or animals who take part in the action of a literary work

Different Types of Characters §Round §Flat §Dynamic §Static

Round Character §has many different qualities has an individual personality has unique combination of opinions and attitudes

Flat Character § only has one or two qualities is a personality “type”; is not unique does not have unique opinions or attitude

Dynamic Character §changes and grows as the story progresses

Static Character §does not change or grow; stays the same throughout the story

Identify with a Character §When a reader has a similar experience or background as a character, this helps him/her to understand the character better.

What kind of a character is Susan? §Dynamic She changes; she’s not confused or unsure at the end as she was in the beginning. §Round She’s an analytical thinker with strong opinions.

What kind of a character is Hamadi? §Dynamic He remains kind and wise, but influences every situation. §Round He is strong, independent, philosophical, and always growing and learning.

What kind of a character is Tracy? §Static She is lost in her problems and fails to grow. §Flat Her character traits never develop; she is a “type.”

Characterization §The act of creating and developing a character.

2 Types of Characterization: §1. Direct- when a writer directly states the character’s traits or characteristics.

Example of DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: §In “Hamadi,” when the author calls the women in the school counselor’s office “brittle.”

§2. Indirect- when a writer depends on the reader to draw conclusions about the character’s traits. Sometimes the writer tells what other people in the story say and think about that character.

Example of INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: §“ A white handkerchief spread across a tabletop, my two extra shoes lined by the wall, this spells ‘home’ to me…What more do I need?”

In this example,what is the author indirectly telling you about Hamadi? §That he is content where he is living.

Journal #6 §Describe your favorite character (book or movie). Explain why this character is dynamic or static, round or flat.

Journal # 7 Do you consider yourself a risk taker? Would you like to skydive, travel to far places, or participate in other adventures?