1. The process of revealing the personality of a character
CHARACTERIZATION
The process of revealing the personality of a character

2. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The author tells us directly what kind of personality the character has; whether the character is cruel, kind, etc.
We don’t have to decide for ourselves!
This requires no interpretation!

3. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The reader has to use his or her own judgment to decide what a character is like based on the evidence the writer gives us
There are 5 ways an author can reveal things about a character’s personality S-T-E-A-L

4. S SPEECH
The author allows us to hear the character speak and through those conversations we learn about the character’s personality

5. How would you describe a character who says…
“I stole the money from my Grandmother.”
“Loneliness seems to be taking over my life.”
“I can’t wait to go to school tomorrow!”

6. T THOUGHTS
The author allows us to listen to the character’s inner thoughts and feelings

7. What if a character thinks…
Should I go talk to the boy? No. Well…maybe I should. Maybe not…
I wish I never said that in class. I feel so stupid right now. I bet everyone is staring at me.

8. E EFFECT on Others
The author may reveal what other people in the story think or say about the character

9. A ACTIONS
The author may show us what the character does—how he or she acts in certain situations

10. Pushes an elderly lady to the ground Feeds a homeless person food
What if a character…
Pushes an elderly lady to the ground
Feeds a homeless person food
Cries continuously in every situation.

11. L LOOKS
The author may describe how the character looks and dresses

12. What if a character… Dresses like a bag lady?
Wears curlers in her hair and talks to herself?
Has hair down to his ankles and carries a guitar everywhere?

13. STATIC vs. DYNAMIC
A STATIC character does not change much throughout the story
A DYNAMIC character changes as a result of the story’s events

14. Static vs. Dynamic
Give an example of a static character.
Give an example of a dynamic character from the same storyline.

15. ROUND vs. FLAT
A FLAT character has only one or two traits; there is no depth to their character.
A ROUND character is one who is fully developed, like a real person with many character traits

16. Round vs. Flat
Give an example of a round vs. flat character from the same story.

17. MOTIVATION
The fears, conflicts or needs that drive a character

18. Primary: (Protagonist)
Levels of Character
Primary: (Protagonist)
Main character who wants the major goal

19. Levels of Character (cont.)
Secondary
Those whom the main character deals with in major ways
These include: antagonists, love interests, close confidants, and sidekicks

20. Describe the following characters with your knowledge of characterization