1. Characterization

2. Date:__________ Title: Characterization EQ: How do we know the difference between characters in a story?

3. Characterization Definition:Definition: Several methods used by an author to make a character real and believable.

4. 1. Inner Thoughts and Feelings The reader gets to see and hear the character’s thoughts and feelings in reaction to different situations. First Person NarrativeFirst Person Narrative – Thoughts and feelings are revealed by the main character (I wonder…) Third Person NarrativeThird Person Narrative – The narrator describes the inner thoughts and feelings of the character. (She wondered…) Inner thoughts and feelings are divulged (revealed) about a major character by how he or she tells the story or by how the narrator tells the story. Characterization Methods of Characterization

5. 2. Speech The words a character says. For example, “Whatever…” or “OMG!” may make us think the character is a teenage girl. Words like “ya’ll” and “ain’t” make us think of someone from the country. Phrases like “dude,” “surfs up,” or “hang ten” may be phrases we would associate with a surfer. dialogue A character’s “speech” may or may not agree with the character’s true inner thoughts and feelings, but the dialogue may reveal more about the character.

6. Characterization Methods of Characterization 3.Actions – What a character does (verb) walk, run, or stomp Actions reveal the character’s willingness or unwillingness to participate in the events of the story.

7. Characterization Methods of Characterization 4. What others say: A character’s response or actions may tell the reader something about another character. For example, how a character talks about another character or the facial expressions one character shows about another character “say” something about a character.

8. Characterization Methods of Characterization 5.Appearance How a character looks are described by the narrator, by other characters, or in the character’s own words. Physical Traits include Physical Traits include: hair color/length, facial description, body type, and clothing etc.

9. 5 Characterization Review the 5 Methods of Characterization I I – inner thoughts and feelings S S – speech A A – actions W W – what others say A A – appearance…CHARACTER

10. Characters Type of CharactersAntagonist: This character always opposes the protagonist. (an evil adversary) Sometimes the adversary is truly evil or a bully. The “bad guy”.Protagonist: This character is usually the hero of the story. He/She may not be perfect, but the reader or audience “cheers” him/her on. The “good guy”.

11. Dynamic: A dynamic character changes during the story. The change is usually a result of solving the conflict. The dynamic character is usually one of the main characters.Static: A static character does not change in a story. Usually the static characters are minor characters. Or possibly the story’s or novel’s antagonist. Characters Type of Characters

12. Round: A character who we know a lot about. The reader learns many details about this character. They are “well rounded” like a 3-D person. Flat: A character who we don’t know well. The reader learns little about this character. They are “flat” like a paper doll, only 2-D. Characters Types of Characters