The process of revealing the personality of a character CHARACTERIZATION The process of revealing the personality of a character

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION The author tells us directly what kind of personality the character has; whether the character is cruel, kind, etc. We don’t have to decide for ourselves! This requires no interpretation!

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION The reader has to use his or her own judgment to decide what a character is like based on the evidence the writer gives us There are 5 ways an author can reveal things about a character’s personality . . . S-T-E-A-L

S . . . SPEECH The author allows us to hear the character speak and through those conversations we learn about the character’s personality

How would you describe a character who says… “I stole the money from my Grandmother.” “Loneliness seems to be taking over my life.” “I can’t wait to go to school tomorrow!”

T . . . THOUGHTS The author allows us to listen to the character’s inner thoughts and feelings

What if a character thinks… Should I go talk to the boy? No. Well…maybe I should. Maybe not… I wish I never said that in class. I feel so stupid right now. I bet everyone is staring at me.

E . . . EFFECT on Others The author may reveal what other people in the story think or say about the character

A . . . ACTIONS The author may show us what the character does—how he or she acts in certain situations

Pushes an elderly lady to the ground Feeds a homeless person food What if a character… Pushes an elderly lady to the ground Feeds a homeless person food Cries continuously in every situation.

L . . . LOOKS The author may describe how the character looks and dresses

What if a character… Dresses like a bag lady? Wears curlers in her hair and talks to herself? Has hair down to his ankles and carries a guitar everywhere?

STATIC vs. DYNAMIC A STATIC character does not change much throughout the story A DYNAMIC character changes as a result of the story’s events

Static vs. Dynamic Give an example of a static character. Give an example of a dynamic character from the same storyline.

ROUND vs. FLAT A FLAT character has only one or two traits; there is no depth to their character. A ROUND character is one who is fully developed, like a real person with many character traits

Round vs. Flat Give an example of a round vs. flat character from the same story.

MOTIVATION The fears, conflicts or needs that drive a character

Primary: (Protagonist) Levels of Character Primary: (Protagonist) Main character who wants the major goal

Levels of Character (cont.) Secondary Those whom the main character deals with in major ways These include: antagonists, love interests, close confidants, and sidekicks

Describe the following characters with your knowledge of characterization