1. how to analyze characters from your novels
Types of characters
how to analyze characters from your novels

2. What standards are we working on?
8th grade Reading/Literature Standard 3
Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
Analyze how and why individuals, events and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

3. Flat vs. Round Characters
Flat Characters
Round Characters
Simple, uncomplicated characters.
We usually have very little information about them.
Don’t change much over the course of the story, but add to the story in other ways.
Usually a supporting character.
Complex characters--they have a range of faults, virtues, and sides.
We have a lot of information about them.
Often change or learn about life during the story.
Usually the protagonist.

4. Using the skill
In the clip from “Finding Nemo,” which character was flat? Which was round?
How did you decide which character was which?
When you write your character analysis for your novel, be sure to mention if the character you’re talking about is flat or round (e.g. how do you see good and bad in a round character, or what is the main characteristic of a flat character)

5. Static vs. Dynamic characters
Static Characters
Dynamic Characters
Doesn’t change from the beginning to the end of the story.
Usually a supporting character.
Changes or learns during the story.
Usually the change is internal—they understand something differently or think about the world differently.
Usually is a round character also.
Usually the protagonist.

6. using the skill
In the clip from “Shrek,” which character is static and which character is dynamic?
How do you know?
When you’re writing your character analysis for your novel, be sure to mention if the character is static or dynamic, and how you know (e.g. how did the character change or what shows they stayed the same?).

7. how do you figure out character traits?
Characters do, think, speak, and react to others.
Other characters may also talk about them.
The author or narrator may describe the character, but most of what you will focus on you will infer from the character’s actions and speech.
Characters could be: depressed, energetic, optimistic, ambitious, shy, bossy, confused, delusional, angry, funny, disengaged, passionate, sarcastic, lazy, confused, obsessed, friendly, extroverted, religious, supportive, cruel, ill, immature, curious, intelligent…the list goes on.

8. how do you describe character traits?
Keep a running list of actions that reveal your character’s traits.
Examples:
“Harry shows courage when he stands up to Snape despite being afraid of him, and when he accept Malfoy’s challenge to a duel even though he is new to magic.”
“When Peeta gives Katniss bread, he showed both his overall kindness and his infatuation with her.”
“Jonas is a dynamic character because at the beginning of the book he accepts everything he is told, but by the end of the book he thinks for himself.”

9. how will this help me on this proficiency?
This will help you in finding quotes and keeping track in your notes of actions and speech that reflect your character’s traits.
This is in the first few pages of your packet!
It will also help you get ready to do the mastery section of the test.

10. analyzing character traits will help you with…