Character Character = a person or animal in a story.
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Transcript of Character Character = a person or animal in a story.
Character
Character = a person or animal in a story
Characterization
The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story.(can be direct or
indirect)
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.
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.
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.
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 A is an example of direct characterization.
The author comes right out and tells you that James was always angry, and that he was looking for a fight
almost constantly.
Description B is an example of indirect characterization.
We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he walked that he is angry. We can
also 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
-physical appearance -the narrator’s direct comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters
Types of Characters…
• Major
• Minor
Major Character
The major (main) character in a
story is like the star of a movie and is central to the action that takes place.
Minor character…
A minor character is one who takes
part in the action but is not the
focus of attention.
Types of Characters
• The protagonist (or main
character) is the central figure in
the work.• The antagonist is
the character or force pitted against the protagonist.
More types of characters…
• A static character does not change
through the course of the
action.• A dynamic
character is one who does change.
Don’t forget the Stock Character…
A stock character (stereotype) is one found
again and again in literary works. An example of a stock
character is that of the mad scientist that
appears over and over in different works – such as
Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or Dr. Frankenstein.
Round Character
A round character is a complex, fully
developed character.
Flat Character
A flat character is a one-dimensional
character, typically not central to the
story
The protagonist is usually…
• The central character• A character the reader can identify with• Has a rounded personality (we hear
what they say, what others say about them, we know what they think and how they feel)
• A character with a dynamic personality
Secondary characters are usually…
•Static•Flat
Character Motivation
A motive is a reason that explains or partially explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or speech. If the motives of a main character are not clear, then the character will not be believable.
Characters are often motivated by needs, such as food and shelter. They are also motivated by feelings, such as fear, love, and pride. Motives may be obvious or hidden.
Character’s Qualities or Traits
The personal traits that make up the
character’s personality.
Dialogue
Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is usually set off by quotation marks to indicate a speaker’s exact words.