Characterization

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Characterization
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What is characterization?

• The way a writer reveals characters to the
  reader.
• (The better the characterization the more the
  character will seem real!)
• There are two types Direct or Indirect.

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Direct Characterization

• States Directly what the character is like.
• Ex. Sergeant Randolph was the cruelest
  drillmaster in the regiment.

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Indirect characterization

• Speech
• Allowing us to hear the character speak.
• I dont have to do what you say, declared
  Darlene, pinching the new babysitter.

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Indirect characterization

• Revealing the characters thoughts and feelings
• Ashley didnt like the looks of the squash
  pudding but decided to eat some to please the
  cook.

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Indirect characterization

• Effect
• Showing how others react to the character.
• Go wake up my sister? Lulu said. Sure, Mom.
  Just give me armor and a twenty-foot pole, and
  Ill be all set to go.

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Indirect characterization

• Actions
• Ex. Toni glanced around, then tossed empty soda
  can on the grass and kept walking.

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Indirect characterization

• Looks
• Describe the appearance of the character.
• Ex. Wandas hair was pink, and every pink hair
  stuck up from her head. Underneath all that pink
  hair, though, was a pair of innocent blue eyes.

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• A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as
  the sales rep explained Dralcos newest engine
  performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic
  hated modern electronics, preferring the old days
  when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a
  good set of tools.B. That Ed Johnson, said
  Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his
  head in confusion as the sales rep explained
  Dralcos newest engine performance diagnostic
  computer. He hasnt got a clue about modern
  electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a
  stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor
  needing repair, and hed be happy as a hungry
  frog in a fly-field.

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• A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and
  accessories, and it always took her forever to
  decide which combination might impress Trent. As
  usual, she called her sister several times for
  advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the
  navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.B.
  Julie held up six different outfits in front of
  the mirror and pondered which would go best with
  her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the
  diamond earrings shed already procured from her
  overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of
  mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister
  three times for advice, Julie finally made up her
  mind. Shed give the navy blue skirt and white
  sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

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• Peter was bored with the TV program, but the
  remote control was inexplicably across the room,
  so he just watched it anyway. Jan would be in
  soon, and she could fetch the remote control for
  him then.
• How could you say this if it were direct
  characterization??

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Why do characters do things?

• This is called motivation
• The reason characters behave the way they do
• A motive
• Is the reason why one character does something.

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2 types of characters

• Static- Stays the same throughout the story
• Dynamic- changes throughout the story

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• Protagonist- good guy
• Antagonist- bad guy/causes problems