Characterization in Literature

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Characterization in Literature
Humorous
Angry
Compassionate
Energetic
Lazy
Vengeful
Happy
Sad
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• How do characters become real ?

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Atticus Finch
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Direct Characterization

• The author or narrator gives the reader
  information about the character

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Indirect Characterization

• A characters actions
• A characters interactions
• A characters appearance
• A characters words
• A characters thoughts
• A characters feelings

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Indirect Characterization

• Another characters thoughts, words, or feelings
  about the character.

• Another characters thoughts, words, or feelings
  about the character.

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Indirect Characterization

• The reader does the work!
• The reader must examine the actions, words, and
  thoughts of the character.

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Characters

• Protagonist the main character the focus of
  the readers attention
• Antagonist a person or force in conflict with
  the protagonist

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Characters

• Round some background displays multifaceted
  personality
• Flat little or no personal history one or two
  traits only

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Characters

• Dynamic changes in the course of the story
  often dramatically
• Static remains the same throughout the story

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Motivation

• Why does the character do what he/she does?
• What reasons are there for his/her actions?