CHARACTERIZATION Notes

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CHARACTERIZATIONNotes
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CHARACTERIZATION

• Characterization is the process by which the
  writer reveals the personality of a character

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Characters can be

• FLAT one dimensional-one character trait
• Example Evil step sisters are described as evil
• ROUND three dimensional numerous traits
• Example Cinderella is described as kind,
  obedient, gentle

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Characters can be

• STATIC (unchanging throughout the story) -
  Example Step-mother. Evil at the beginning and
  evil at the end

• DYNAMIC(changing throughout the story)
• Example Cinderella is timid and shy at the
  beginning, but she is strong-willed and mature at
  the end

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Characters can be

• PROTAGONISTS (central character that the story
  revolves around)
• Example Cinderella

• ANTAGONISTS (source of conflict for the central
  character
• Example Step-mother and step-sisters

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• We can learn about a characters mental, emotion,
  and moral traits from either direct or indirect
  characterization.

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This can be done in five different ways.

• DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
• OR
• INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION through speech
• INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION through thoughts
• INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION through effect on other
  characters
• INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION through actions

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Direct Characterization

• In direct characterization, the narrator or
  another character tells us what a person is like.
  The words are directly written in the book.
• EXAMPLE
• Tyler was a talented little boy. He was a great
  pitcher and could hit a home run almost every
  time he came to bat.

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Indirect Characterization

• Indirect characterization shows things that
  reveal the personality of a character. It is not
  directly stated in the story.
• There are four different methods

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Indirect through Speech

• SPEECH What does the character say? How does
  the character speak?
• Example Tyler was pouting on his teams bench.
  Were never going to win this game. Come on!
  Hit the ball! You guys are awful!

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Indirect through Thoughts

• Thoughts What is revealed through the
  characters private thoughts and feelings?
• Example Tyler thought that Jason was the only
  other good player on the team. He believed that
  the other players just never tried hard enough.

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Indirect through Effect on Other Characters

• What is revealed through the characters effect
  on other people? How do other characters feel or
  behave in reaction to the character?
• Example Tyler is always pouting on the bench,
  stated Brian. I wish he would be more of a team
  player!

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Indirect through Actions

• What does the character do? How does the
  character behave?
• Example Tyler crushed a home run and ran around
  the bases taunting the other team.

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See if you can determine which type of
characterization is being used.

• Forrest screamed, Why dont you just give me a
  new bike? I need one now!

Indirect Characterization through SPEECH
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• Forrest threw himself on the ground and kicked
  the couch when his mother wouldnt buy him a bike.

Indirect Characterization through ACTIONS
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• Forrest was an extremely angry child and was,
  once again, upset that his mother wouldnt buy
  him a new bike.

Direct Characterization
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• I wonder if my mother will ever buy me a new
  bike. She doesnt understand how much I need it.

Indirect Characterization through THOUGHTS
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• Forrest, stop acting like a baby! Get off the
  floor! Ill buy you a new bike when you can
  control yourself!

Indirect Characterization through AFFECT ON OTHER
CHARACTERS