CharacterTypesMotivationConflict

What draws readers into a story?

Connecting with Characters

Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind.

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• The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces.

Main CharactersProtagonist—the main character of a story.

Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome.

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Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot.

Subordinate CharactersMain character

Friends

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Flat characters

• have only one or two character traits that can be described in a few words

Flat Characters versus Round Characters

• have no depth, like a piece of cardboard

Round characters

• have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other

Flat Characters versus Round Characters

• are much like real people, with several sides to their personality

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Dynamic characters

• change or grow as a result of the story’s actions

Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters

• learn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflicts

The changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning of the story.

Static characters

• do not change or grow

Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters

• are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning

Subordinate characters are often static characters.

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External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force.

• character versus character

Conflict

• character versus society

• character versus nature

Conflict

Internal conflict—struggle between opposing needs or desires or emotions within a character.

• character versus himself

• character versus herself

What type of conflict does the character face?Conflict

Quick Check

“Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”

I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly.

from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier[End of Section]

Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. It

Motivation

• explains behaviors

• is often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needs

Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions.

• reveals personality

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Direct Presentation of Character

Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is.

Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.”

The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Indirect Presentation of Character

Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character.

There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Speech: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!”

Thoughts: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside!

Effect on others: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert.

Actions: The girl crashed the car through the house and into the garage

Looks: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face.

Think of a story you’ve read in which the protagonist faces powerful conflicts. Use a chart like the one here to map out the conflicts and their resolutions, as well as the protagonist’s motivations.

PracticeProtagonist•

Motivation•

Internal Conflict•

Resolution•

Motivation•

External conflict and antagonist•

Resolution•

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