CHARACTERIZATIONWhat creates a character?

WAYS TO KNOW A CHARACTER

Appearance •How is the character described?•How does the character dress?•What is the physical appearance of the character?

WAYS TO KNOW A CHARACTER

Thoughts and Conversation•What the character says, thinks, or feels •What others in the story say or think about the character

WAYS TO KNOW A CHARACTER

Actions• What the character does• What the character chooses

NOT to do • What others in the story do to

the main character

GOOD CHARACTERS ARE:

Believable

Consistent

Multidimensional (not a simple stereotype)

Memorable

Grow or change over time

ASK YOURSELF:

Is the character believable? Have you ever felt like the character feels? What makes them seem real?

Is the character’s behavior consistent with him or her? Does their change seem reasonable?

ASK YOURSELF

Do you identify with the character? Why?

Does the character change or learn as the story progresses?

Is the character memorable? What will you remember about the character next month?