Short Stories

Characterization

Characterization

• The act of creating and developing a character.

• There are two types:– Direct Characterization– Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization

• Direct Characterization is when the author directly states a character’s traits.

• Example: Yesterday in “A Visit to Grandmother” direct characterization was used when GL was described as “part con man, part practical joker, and part Don Juan” (p166).

Indirect Characterization

• Indirect Characterization is used when an author shows a character’s personality through his or her actions, thoughts, feelings, words, and appearance or through another character’s observations and reactions.

• Example: In “A Visit to Grandmother,” Kelly presents Chig’s observations and memories of his father.

Types of Characters

• Protagonist

• Antagonist

• Dynamic

• Static

• Round

• Flat

Types of Characters

• Protagonist• Antagonist• Dynamic• Static• Round• Flat• Major• Minor

Protagonist

• The protagonist is the main character in a work of fiction.

• The protagonist is also who the readers would like to see succeed.

Antagonist

• The antagonist is the character who opposes the protagonist.

• This is the character we would like to see defeated!

Dynamic Character

• A dynamic character is one who is modified by actions and experiences.

• In other words, these characters learn from their mistakes.

Static Character

• A static character is a character who changes little, if at all.

Round Character

• A round character is a complex character who can surprise the reader with his/her actions.

Flat Character

• A flat character is a character constructed around a single idea or quality.