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Character “But Grandmother! What big teeth you have!”
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What is Character? Imaginary people created by the writer. Imaginary people created by the writer. Perhaps the most important element of literature is character development. Perhaps the most important element of literature is character development. Look for connections, links, and clues between and about characters. Look for connections, links, and clues between and about characters. Ask yourself what the function and significance of each character is. Ask yourself what the function and significance of each character is. Make this determination based upon the character's history, what the reader is told (and not told) about the character. Make this determination based upon the character's history, what the reader is told (and not told) about the character.
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Exploring Character The creation and development of character in literature often results in an exploration of specific aspects of the human experience and human nature (complex values, external/internal conflicts, and powerful emotions are examined) The creation and development of character in literature often results in an exploration of specific aspects of the human experience and human nature (complex values, external/internal conflicts, and powerful emotions are examined)
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Aspects and Elements of Character Characterization- The means by which writers reveal character. Characterization- The means by which writers reveal character. Protagonist – The character at the center of the story/conflict (main character). Protagonist – The character at the center of the story/conflict (main character). Antagonist - A character or force that opposes the protagonist. Antagonist - A character or force that opposes the protagonist. Major character - A major character in literature is a character that plays a large role in the story, but is not the main character. Major character - A major character in literature is a character that plays a large role in the story, but is not the main character. Minor character - Often provides support and/or illuminates the character traits of the protagonist (main character) Minor character - Often provides support and/or illuminates the character traits of the protagonist (main character)
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Aspects and Elements of Character Static character - A character who remains the same over the course of the novel. Static character - A character who remains the same over the course of the novel. Dynamic character - A character who changes in some important way over the course of the novel. Dynamic character - A character who changes in some important way over the course of the novel. Explicit Judgment- The narrator gives facts and interpretive comment on aspects of the story. Explicit Judgment- The narrator gives facts and interpretive comment on aspects of the story. Implied Judgment- The narrator gives description in the story, and the reader is left to make their own judgment. Implied Judgment- The narrator gives description in the story, and the reader is left to make their own judgment.
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What is a foil? Oh, I know! I know! Um, ok, no I don’t. I’ve just always wanted to say that! Why don’t you tell us Monica since you seem to know everything. Monica knows everything? I know everything! I’m a Palaeontologist! Ha...ha I tried to eat tin foil once. Wait...what was the question?
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What is a Foil Character? A foil is a person who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight various features of the main character's personality (opposite yet complimentary). A foil is a person who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight various features of the main character's personality (opposite yet complimentary). However, a foil usually has some important characteristics in common with the other character as well, such as superficial traits or personal history. However, a foil usually has some important characteristics in common with the other character as well, such as superficial traits or personal history.
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Examples of a Foil in Literature Mercutio and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet Mercutio and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet Macbeth and Banquo or Macbeth and Macduff in Macbeth Macbeth and Banquo or Macbeth and Macduff in Macbeth Hamlet and Laertes in Hamlet Hamlet and Laertes in Hamlet Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone
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An archetype is an original model of a person, ideal example, or a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated; a symbol universally recognized by all. What's A Character Archetype? The Criminal The Lunatic The Jock The Princess The Brain
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Approaches to Character Analysis Consider physical traits and descriptions Consider physical traits and descriptions Explore what the character does (actions) Explore what the character does (actions) Explore what the character says/thinks Explore what the character says/thinks Examine what other characters say/think about him/her Examine what other characters say/think about him/her
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Approaches to Character Analysis Consider the character’s role in the novel (main/major/minor character? Do they shape the conflict?) Consider the character’s role in the novel (main/major/minor character? Do they shape the conflict?) Ponder the significance of character names (an immature man named Teddy) Ponder the significance of character names (an immature man named Teddy) Analyze how the character changes over the course of the story. What is the thematic significance? Analyze how the character changes over the course of the story. What is the thematic significance?
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Critical Analysis of Characterization Making Connections to the Character: ASK... As a reader, what do you like and/or dislike about this character? As a reader, what do you like and/or dislike about this character? What does the author want the reader to feel for the character (empathy? hatred? fondness? )? What does the author want the reader to feel for the character (empathy? hatred? fondness? )? As a reader, do you identify with this character on any level? As a reader, do you identify with this character on any level? As a reader, do you care about this character? As a reader, do you care about this character?
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Critical Analysis of Characterization Evaluate the moral structure of the character: ASK... To what degree are her/his morals defined by contrasting minor characters, by the testimony of characters who are readily acceptable as witnesses? To what degree are her/his morals defined by contrasting minor characters, by the testimony of characters who are readily acceptable as witnesses? What are the character's inclinations to specific virtues and vices, her/his powers or handicaps with relation to those virtues and vices? What are the character's inclinations to specific virtues and vices, her/his powers or handicaps with relation to those virtues and vices? Examine the important actions through which her/his moral stature is apparent. Examine the important actions through which her/his moral stature is apparent.
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Critical Analysis of Characterization Evaluate the psychology of the character: ASK... What are her/his dominant traits or desires? How did these traits or desires apparently originate? Do they support or oppose one another? What are her/his dominant traits or desires? How did these traits or desires apparently originate? Do they support or oppose one another? Through what modes of awareness is the protagonist most responsive to life and experience: rational, instinctual, sensory, emotional, intuitive? Through what modes of awareness is the protagonist most responsive to life and experience: rational, instinctual, sensory, emotional, intuitive? How does the character deal with a crisis? In what terms does she/he see her/his problem? What does she/he maximize or minimize, try to prove or disprove? Do her/his reactions proceed through definite phases? If so, what are they? How may one explain the character's effectiveness or inadequacy in dealing with this emergency? How does the character deal with a crisis? In what terms does she/he see her/his problem? What does she/he maximize or minimize, try to prove or disprove? Do her/his reactions proceed through definite phases? If so, what are they? How may one explain the character's effectiveness or inadequacy in dealing with this emergency?
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