Character

a person or animal in a story

See a GOLD star?

• If the slide or slides that show a GOLD STAR like this one

• It indicates THAT is a slide to write down in your notes.

• Those without a gold star do NOT need to be put into your notes. OK?

Characterization

The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story.

There are two types of characterization: direct or indirect

Characterization

Sooooooooooo…

Characterization is the description or portrayal (either directly or indirectly) of a character in a story.

Direct Characterization

The method of character development in which

the author simply TELLS you what the character is

like.

For example, “Miss Alice was the nicest person

you would ever want to meet,” is direct

characterization.

Direct CharacterizationWhen directly

characterizing, think TELLING!

An author will straight forwardly, straight

up, and directly (TO THE POINT) tell you

character traits.

Indirect Characterization

The method of characterization that is most similar to the way we learn about people in real life.

Using indirect characterization, the author presents the character’s personality through what he/she says, his/her actions, or how other characters relate to him/her.

You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.

Indirect Characterization

When indirectly characterizing, think SHOWING!

An author will, in a round about and jagged arrow, present or SHOW you character traits.

You have to read between the lines to understand the

character’s traits.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?

Read the following example of characterization. Decide whether

it is an example of direct or indirect characterization.

(A) James was one of those people who was constantly angry. He looked for trouble wherever he went, and he usually found it.

Description A is an example of direct characterization because….

The author comes right out and tells you that James was always

ANGRY, and that he was LOOKING for a fight almost

constantly.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?

(B) Stanley’s eyes blazed as he surveyed the room. The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he stalked past her.

“Look out for Stan,” she whispered to Bart. “He’s in another one of his moods. I’d stay far away if I were you!”

Description B is an example of indirect characterization because...

We can TELL from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he

walked that he is angry. Also, we can see that others are somewhat

frightened by him by observing their reactions. Carol moves aside and

warns Bart to avoid Stanley.

Which method is more effective in developing

the character?

Why do you think so?

Methods of Characterizationcreating believable characters…

INDIRECT DIRECT

-speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character

-the narrator’s direct comments about a character

-speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters -a direct description of physical

appearance of character

? ?

Major CharacterThe major (main) character in a

story is like the star of a movie and is central to the action that takes place.

Minor CharacterA minor character is one who takes

part in the action but is not the focus of attention.

Types of Characters• The protagonist (or

typically the main character) is the central figure in the work; the good guy.

• The antagonist is the character or force pitted against the protagonist; the bad guy.

More types of characters:

• A static character does not change

through the course of the

action.• A dynamic

character is one who does change.

•A static character does NOT change.

• A dynamic character

changes over time.

More types of characters:

• A round character is a complex, fully

developed character.• A flat character is a

one-dimensional character, typically

not central to the story.

•A round character has a complex personality.

•A flat character has only one

personality or character trait.

The protagonist is usually…

• The central character - good guy.• A character the reader can identify

with; they’re relatable.• Has a rounded personality (we hear

what they say, what others say about them, we know what they think and how they feel).

• And/Or also character with a dynamic personality.

Secondary characters are usually…

•Flat •Static

1. Main person or persons in a story.a) Minor Charactersb) Major Charactersc) Manure Chips

2. Supporting characters in a story.a) Major charactersb) Minor charactersc) Supportive characters

3. A character who experiences a change or development over the course of the narrative:a) dynamic characterb) round characterc) flat characterd) static character

4. A static character is:a) The way a writer reveals the personality of a characterb) character that doesn’t change in the course of a storyc) Character that does change in the course of a work

5. The bad guy; character working against main character.a) plotb) antagonistc) Protagonist

6. A well-developed character:a) dynamic characterb) flat characterc) static characterd) round character

7. A superhero would be which type of character?a) flat/roundb) flat/staticc) flat/dynamicd) static/dynamic

8. A character who’s so one-dimensional they’re predictable is:a) staticb) flatc) roundd) Dynamic

9. A dynamic character...a) doesn't changeb) changes physicallyc) changes personality

10. Most protagonists are:a) flat/staticb) flat/roundc) round/dynamicd) round/static

11. Most minor characters are:a) flat/staticb) flat/roundc) round/dynamicd) round/static

12. Personally, [insert your name here] is which character type:a)roundb)dynamicc)flat or static