ENGLISH 8 NOTES UNIT 2 Characterization

A Story and its Characters Characters  The story’s actors (can be people, animals, or even objects)  Characters in a story influence the readers. Depending on how characters behave, we (the reader) believe in them, leading us to potentially love them or even hate them. Characterization  Method used by a writer to develop a character  How do writers create characters?  Writers must decide upon the traits (qualities that describe a character).  Traits can be described in single words – adjectives (words that describe).  Ex. passionate, lazy, intelligent, strong, hardworking, short, mean, etc.

Types of Characters Flat Character  This character has only one or two key personality traits that dominate their character. Round Character  This character has several personality traits.  Round characters are more “symbolic” of real people because real people tend to have several traits.  Many times, writers include several flat characters and one or two round characters - because too many round characters can be distracting.

Types of Characters Static Character  Does not change during the course of the story  Is the same character at the end of the story as they were at the beginning of the story. Does not learn anything important, does not change physically, emotionally or mentally. Dynamic Character  Changes in some important way as a result of the story’s action.  Ex. - Gains a new understanding, makes an important decision, or takes crucial action  The change must be believable and will provide a key to understanding the character overall.

Types of Characters Protagonist  the main character that the story is focused on  Often realistic, complicated human beings with just enough strengths, weaknesses and contradictions to remind us of ourselves. Antagonist  character or force that blocks the protagonist from achieving his/her goal.  Not necessarily evil Protagonists and antagonists do not make up the whole story.  A story will contain other subordinate characters (minor characters - neighbors, family members or passing strangers)  may help reveal the character of the protagonist or antagonist and may help develop the story’s conflict.

Character Interactions Conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist is what hooks the reader’s interest, creates suspense, and moves along the plot.  Review:  External conflict – struggle between the protagonist and some outside force Man vs. Man (another character) Man vs. Nature (animal, weather, land, etc.) Man vs. Society (government, culture, the world, civilization, movement)  Internal conflict – struggle between protagonist and his/her own emotions, fear, worry, or the need to make a decision Man vs. Self

Make a T-chart on a ½ sheet of notebook paper. Label the left side: Flat or Round?  Is Brian Robeson, the main character in Hatchet, a flat or round character?  Use your notes and answer the question above; then, give one reason why. Label the right side: Static or Dynamic?  Is Brian Robeson, the main character in Hatchet, a static or dynamic character?  Use your notes and answer the question above; then, give one reason why. Exit Slip – Characterization Practice