Characterization and

Character traits

Character

• The people or animals in a literary work.

Protagonist: the main character of the story

Antagonist: the person who opposes the protagonist

Flat Character– Defined by very little character

traits.– Lacks a realistic personality.– Often a stereotype.– Helps move the plot along

quickly because the audience already understands what the character is like.

– Minor characters are usually flat characters.

Example: a geeky professor

Round Character– A complex individual incapable

of being easily defined. – They are realistic and have a

depth of personality. – Unpredictable– Protagonists and antagonists

are usually round characters.

More Types of Characters

• Dynamic Character– Significantly changes throughout the course of the

story. – Protagonist is almost always dynamic.

• Static Character– Does not undergo significant change. – Supporting characters are often static.

Archetypes

• Basic, recurring patterns in literature• Universal symbols

• An archetype is the most perfect version of something, like a Hero that is honest, brave, kind, and good-looking. Some examples of archetypes are: The Wise Elder, The Villain, The Hero, The Mother

Identifying Character Traits

• VALUES – what does the character care for?

• LONGINGS – what does the character desire or try to obtain/achieve?

• ATTITUDE – what kind of mental outlook does the character have?

• MOTIVES – what inspires or drives the character to act in a certain way?

• INTENTIONS – what does the character plan to do?

• FLAWS – what imperfections or weaknesses does the character have?

• PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Characterization

• The process of conveying information about characters.

• Authors use words to create a mental image of a character in a story.

Types of Characterization

• Direct Characterization– The author literally tells what the character is like.– Example: The boy was stubborn and bad-

mannered.

• Indirect Characterization– Author shows details that reveal what the

character is like through thoughts, actions, speech, etc.

– Ex: The little boy bit his sister when she refused to share her toys.

Methods of Characterization

• Authors communicate information about their characters by using:1. Physical appearance

of the character2. Interactions between

characters3. Narration about the

character and hat the character is thinking

4. Dialogue of or about the character

5. Actions of the character

How do we analyze character?

• Make an

inference…

Zoe cheered loudly. “Go Wildcats! You can do it!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. Other fans in the stadium just stared glumly. There was no way the Wildcats would win. That didn’t stop Zoe, though.

Is Zoe optimistic or cynical?

Nolan sprinted toward the end zone as his friends trailed behind him. “Touchdown!” he yelled as he scored – again. Nolan strutted down the field wearing a big grin on his face.