1. What draws readers into a story? Short Story Notes #2: Connecting with Characters Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw out our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind. Characters can be a person, animal or thing that takes part in the action of a literary work

2. The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces. It is his or her story Main Characters Protagonist—the main character of a story. Antagonist—the character or force in conflict with the protagonist-- who they struggle against and must overcome.

3. Minor characters take part in the story’s events/plot, but are not the main focus of attention add depth and complication to the plot. Sometimes help the reader learn more about the main character Minor Characters Main character Friends

4. Round characters--are fully developed have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other (they can be both good and bad) Round Characters (versus flat characters) are much like real people, with several sides to their personality Often have a back-story

5. Flat characters- have no depth, and are like a piece of cardboard They have only one or two personality/character traits can be described in a few words Often have little or no personal history Flat Characters

6. Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s actions Dynamic Characters (versus Static Characters) learn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflicts The changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning and the Theme of the story.

7. Static characters do not change or grow Static Characters (Versus Dynamic Characters) are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning Minor characters are often static characters.

8. (hero) a male character or (heroine) a female character whose actions are inspiring, valiant, or noble Hero/Heroine

9. Motivation—Is the reason that drives a character’s actions. Motivation explains the character’s behaviors/actions is often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needs Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions. reveals personality

10. Foil Foil-- a person whose main purpose in the story is to make another character look brighter The foil makes the other character “shine” Foil

11. Think of a story you’ve read in which the protagonist faces powerful conflicts. Use a Tree Map like the one to map out the conflicts and their resolutions, as well as the protagonist’s motivations. Practice Protagonist Motivation Internal Conflict Resolution Motivation External conflict and antagonist Resolution

12. Direct Characterization (The author specifically tells the reader)  The writer tells you as a reader exactly what the character is like  This can include physical traits and well as personality traits.  Ex: “The girl was lazy, indolent, and unmotivated”  The writer tells you as a reader exactly what the character is like  This can include physical traits and well as personality traits.  Ex: “The girl was lazy, indolent, and unmotivated”

13. Indirect Characterization The writer shows (not tells) the reader about a character  The writer does not directly tell you what a character is like  The reader must observe the character  The reader comes to his or her own conclusions about the personality of a character  The writer does not directly tell you what a character is like  The reader must observe the character  The reader comes to his or her own conclusions about the personality of a character

14. Ways an author shows Indirect Characterization 1. Appearance -How the character looks 2. Action -What the character is doing 3. Speech - What the character says 4. Thoughts and Feelings -What the character is thinking inside his or her head 5. Other Characters’ Reactions  What other characters say about him or her  What other characters think about this character  How other characters act toward him/her 1. Appearance -How the character looks 2. Action -What the character is doing 3. Speech - What the character says 4. Thoughts and Feelings -What the character is thinking inside his or her head 5. Other Characters’ Reactions  What other characters say about him or her  What other characters think about this character  How other characters act toward him/her