1. What is a Character? What is a character?
An agent (in literature) with one or more personality traits.
What is a personality trait?
A distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person (ex: generous, impatient, kind, etc.). A trait can determine how a person reacts to and interacts with a situation/environment.
Lisa Simpson is creative, responsible, & considerate
The Wicked Witch is spiteful, cunning, & selfish
Gorillas are narcissistic, aggressive, perfectionists!

2. Protagonist or Antagonist? Good or Evil?
Round or Flat?
Protagonist or Antagonist?
Good or Evil?
What is a flat character?
What is a round character?
What is a protagonist?
What is an antagonist?
A flat character is one dominated by a single trait.
A round character is more complex and fully developed.
A protagonist is the central figure often characterized by his/her ability to change/evolve.
An antagonist creates or represents obstacles the protagonist must overcome.

3. What is Characterization?
What is direct characterization?
What is indirect characterization?
What are methods of indirect characterization?
Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals a character’s personality.
Direct characterization occurs when the author TELLS (literally) what the character is like.
Indirect characterization occurs when the author SHOWS (and the reader must deduce) what the character is like through the following clues:
S.-Speech: What does the character say? How does he/she talk?
T.-Thoughts: What is revealed about the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
E.-Effect on Others: How do other others feel or behave in reaction to the character?
A.-Actions: How does the character behave?
L.-Looks: What is the character’s appearance? How does he/she dress?

4. Character Traits Honest Conceited Cynical Mischievous Demanding
Thoughtful
Courageous
Humble
Reckless
Diligent
Modest
Impulsive
Simple-minded
Selfish/Unselfish
Ambitious
Absent-minded
Boastful
Careless
Bossy
Gluttonous
Tyrannical
Short-tempered
Independent
Inventive
Compassionate
Gentle
Proud
Self-reliant
Loyal
Responsible
Curious
Reserved
Energetic
Cautious
Clever
Charming
Empathetic
Courteous
Soft-hearted
Stern
Stubborn
Suspicious
Trusting
Wise
Withdrawn
Cruel
Dependable
Determined
Dreamy
Cowardly
Fierce
Greedy
Obedient
Patient
Polite
Quarrelsome
Shy
Shrewd
Sharp-witted
Sentimental
Sensitive
Serious
Restless
Attentive
Tolerant
Submissive
Decisive
Ignorant
Persistent
Devious
Prudent
Meek
Forgiving
Imaginative
Repugnant
Licentious
Brutish
Jovial
Abrasive
Boisterous
Compliant
Exuberant
Insecure
Intuitive
Ornery
Merciful
Overbearing
Combative
Reclusive
Pert

5. Lets Practice
“Lennie dabbled his paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go. ‘Look, George. Look what I done’” (Steinbeck 3).
Method of characterization?
Speech and Actions
What does the quotation teach the reader about Lennie?
He is simple and easily amuzed. Her is curious about the simple pleasures in life. He is connected to to animals. This could mean is is unwieldy or it could mean he is loyal.

6. Lets Practice
“Well, look. Lennie– if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an ‘hide in the brush… Hide in the brush till I come for you. Can you remember that?’” (Steinbeck 14-15).
Method of characterization
Speech
What do we learn about George in this quote?
He is a leader. He is not just a friend. He acts like a parent and tries to protect Lennie.