1. The act of creating and developing a character
Characterization
The act of creating and developing a character

2. Character
A person or animal that takes part in the action of a story
Major character = most important in the story
Minor character = has a part in the story but is not the focus of attention

3. Protagonist
The main character or hero of the story
Character who has changed the most
Battles against the antagonist

4. Antagonist Character (or force) in conflict with the protagonist
Usually a villain (but not always)

5. Flat Vs. Round A flat character is one-sided and often stereotypical
A round character is fully developed with many different traits. Many times both good and bad characteristics are exhibited.

6. Examples
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Puck does not show many sides of his personality. He is a flat character.
Gollum from The Lord of the
Rings has many sides to his
personality. He is a round
character.

7. Static Vs. Dynamic
A static character stays the same throughout the whole story.
A dynamic character changes or matures during the course of the story.

8. Direct Characterization
When the author describes the character directly.
ex. “[The dogs] had furry coats to protect them from the frost” (1).

9. Indirect Characterization
When the author provides clues about the character through thoughts, speech, and actions.
Ex. “…But she was a clannish creature and rushed at once to the defense of her brother” (69).