Review of Character in Short Stories

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• Review of Character in Short Stories

ENH 110
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A character is any representation of an
individual being presented in a dramatic or
narrative work through extended dramatic or
verbal representation. The reader can interpret
characters as endowed with moral and
dispositional qualities expressed in what they
say (dialogue) and what they do (action).
CHARACTERIZATION An author or poet's use of
description, dialogue, dialect, and action to
create in the reader an emotional or
intellectual reaction to a character or to make
the character more vivid and realistic. Careful
readers note each character's attitude and
thoughts, actions and reaction, as well as any
language that reveals geographic, social, or
cultural background.
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Methods of characterization
Direct Expository Explicit
Indirect Dramatic Implicit
Most often used
Dont simply say the old lady screamed bring
her on and let her scream. Mark Twain
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Principles of Characterization
He or she does not behave one way on one occasion
and a different way on another unless there is a
clear reason for the change.
Consistency
The characters words and actions must spring
from motivations the reader can understand and
believe.
Motivation
Plausibility
The author must create the illusion that the
person is real so we can forget we are reading
fiction at all.
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Types of Characters
E. M. Forster Aspects of the Novel, 1927
Round multi-faceted, complex
Flat
one or two memorable traits can be summed up in a
sentence
Stock
interchangeability
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Degree of Change
Static The character is the same at the end of
the story as he or she is at the beginning.
Developing or Dynamic The character undergoes a
permanent change in character, personality, or
outlook.
Often provides a clue to the storys meaning, or
theme
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A foil is a secondary character who contrasts
with a major character and, in so doing,
highlights various facets of the main
character's personality. The author may use the
foil to set up situations in which the
protagonist can show his or her character
traits. The term refers to the practice of
putting polished foil underneath a gemstone to
make it shine more brightly.
An antihero is a protagonist conspicuously
lacking in one or more of the usual traits of a
traditional hero (bravery, skill, idealism, sense
and purpose). The antihero is an ordinary,
unglorious citizen of the modern world, usually
drawn (according to Sean OFaolain) as someone
groping, puzzled, cross, mocking,
frustrated, and isolated.
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Epiphany
Epiphany is Twelfth Night - 6 January - when
Christ was visited by the Three Wise Men, and
his divinity was revealed to the world. It
derives from a Greek word, epiphainein, meaning
'to manifest', and in pre-Christian times it was
used to record appearances of gods and goddesses.
Traditionally the word has kept this specific
religious association, but over the years it has
been secularized to refer to other, non-divine
forms of revelation.
Joyce's secular epiphany The principal writer to
extend the meaning of the word as a secular term
was James Joyce, who was interested in sudden,
dramatic and startling moments which seemed to
have heightened significance and to be surrounded
with a kind of magical aura.
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Irony in Fiction
VERBAL IRONY THE DISCREPANCY IS BETWEEN WHAT IS
SAID AND WHAT IS MEANT.
DRAMATIC IRONY THE CONTRAST IS BETWEEN WHAT A
CHARACTER SAYS AND WHAT THE READER KNOWS TO BE
TRUE.
SITUATIONAL IRONY THE DISCREPANCY IS BETWEEN
APPEARANCE AND REALITY, BETWEEN EXPECTATION AND
FULFILLMENT, BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT WOULD SEEM
APPROPRIATE.
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Raymond Carver
1938-1988 Biography
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Minimalism
In the 1970's and 1980's, a mode of writing known
as Minimalism became very popular. Minimalism
presents what is often a bare, simplified
snapshot of some event, insisting that the reader
imagine the rest of the circumstances and guess
about their impact. Minimalism can be
characterized by ordinary subject matter,
straightforward narratives, and slightness of
story. Minimalism reflects a number of
contemporary thoughts. First of all this style
reflects the growing complexities of the world
by refusing any attempts at explaining the
presented reality to the reader. Minimalism also
suggests that contemporary life has become too
bland and standardized to support a strongly
dramatic art we shop in malls, eat fish sticks
and sleep under electric blankets. Minimalism
also reflects the post-modern idea that the
story does not exist without the reader. Since
the story takes place in the readers mind, the
reader needs to create the story as much as the
writer does. Raymond Carver, although he never
liked to be labeled as one, was considered by
many critics to be a minimalist.
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Discussion prompt
One thematic idea Carvers story suggests is that
through collaboration with others we may free
ourselves form the slavery of self-absorption,
that compassion is a prerequisite not just for
happiness but survival. Do you agree?
Disagree?
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What symbolic value do you attach to the
cathedral? Why do you think Carver used it as
the title?
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Possible Themes for Cathedral
Barriers tend to break down when
people effectively communicate with one another.
Even those not physically blind sometimes need
to be taught to see.
Stereotyping often renders sighted people blind
to the common humanity we all share.
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END