1. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Characterization, etc.
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

2. Direct vs. indirect characterization
Explicit presentation by the author of the character through direct exposition, either in an introductory block or piecemeal throughout the work.
The presentation of the character in action, with little or no explicit comment by the author, in the expectation that the reader can deduce the attributes of the actor from the actions.

3. Which is indirect characterization?
Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.
“People who suffer as much as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied!" (Spoken by Mrs. Bennet)

4. Round vs. flat characters
Round Characters
Flat Characters
Also called three-dimensional characters
Multifaceted, human being
Capable of inconsistencies
Subject to growth
Example: Elizabeth
Also called two-dimensional characters
More a type than a human being
Usually not subject to growth
Example: Jane

5. Dynamic vs. static characters
Dynamic Character
Changes little if at all
Things happen to a character without things happening within.
Example: Bingley
Modified by the actions and experiences
One objective of the work is to reveal the consequences of these actions
Example: Darcy

6. caricature
Writing that exaggerates certain individual qualities of a person and produces a ridiculous effect. Unlike satire, caricature is likely to treat merely personal qualities
Example: Mr. Collins’s obsequiousness

7. Foil
Literally a leaf of bright metal placed under a jewel to increase its brilliance
In literature, the term is applied to any person who through contrast underscores the distinctive characteristics of another.
Example: Wickham is a FOIL for Darcy

8. Epistolary novel
A novel in which the narrative is carried forward by LETTERS written by one or more of the characters. It has the merit of giving the opportunity to present the feelings and reactions without the intrusion of the author; it furthers gives a sense of immediacy because the LETTERS are written in the thick of the action.
Pride and Prejudice is NOT an EPISTOLARY NOVEL, but it does involve several examples of EPISTOLARY WRITING.

9. SARCASM VS. VERBAL IRONY
A caustic and bitter expression of strong disapproval.
Personal, jeering, and intended to hurt
The actual intent is expressed in words that carry the opposite meaning
Usually less harsh than sarcasm

10. examples Sarcasm Verbal Irony
“There is a mixture of servility and self-importance in his letter which promises well. I am impatient to see him.” (Mr. Bennet after reading the letter from Mr. Collins)
“You will have a charming mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course, she will always be at Pemberley with you.” (Miss Bingley to Darcy upon learning of his admiration for Elizabeth)

11. Focalization
The perspective through which a narrative is presented. By presenting the narrative through the eyes and words of various characters, the narrator is less removed from the story and the reader is more intimate with the characters (more in their heads). Austen does this in a variety of ways such as epistles and indirect speech, in which the language and thoughts of the characters mix with the voice of the narrator.

12. Example:
“Mrs John Dashwood did not at all approve of what her husband intended to do for his sisters. To take three thousand pounds from the fortune of their dear little boy, would be impoverishing him to the most dreadful degree. She begged him to think again on the subject. How could he answer it to himself to rob his child, and his only child too, of so large a sum?”