1. CHARACTERIZATION Mr. Raber “Types of Characters”

2. Major Characters: The PROTAGONIST is the main character Action is focused around the protag. The ANTAGONIST is also a major character He or she is AGAINST the protagonist

3. Minor Characters: Play subordinate roles Vary in degree of importance

4. STATIC vs. DYNAMIC Characters: STATIC CHARACTERS change very little DYNAMIC CHARACTERS change as a direct result of events - Changes can be subtle or dramatic Both vary in degree of change

5. FLAT vs. ROUND Characters: ROUND CHARACTERS are complex -Cannot be summarized briefly FLAT CHARACTERS are basic -Can be summed up with a single word or phrase -Characterized with a single dominant trait

6. Other Characters: STOCK CHARACTER- a recognizable stereotypical character CARICATURE- an extreme exaggeration of one or several human characteristics

7. Types of Characterization: 1) GENERAL 2) DIRECT 3) INDIRECT

8. 1) General Characterization: Includes the ways the author communicates natures of characters Can include both DIRECT and INDIRECT characterization

9. 2) DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Includes characters’ backgrounds, motives and personalities Includes direct description of appearance Also includes the narrator’s opinion- which could be biased

10. 3) INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Defines characters through their actions and statements Includes dialect, plot, and dialogue

11. Questions to Ask When Analyzing Characters: Does the character grow or deteriorate? Why or why not? (Static vs. Dynamic) How complex is the character? (Flat vs. Round) How important are the minor characters?

12. Other Questions to Ask When Analyzing Characters: Are the characters words and actions consistent? (Direct and Indirect) Is the character: intelligent, likeable, insightful, responsible, happy, believable? How do you know?

13. ANY QUESTIONS?