Characterization Definition: The way a writer reveals a character.

Character Motivation Definition: The reasons a character behaves in a certain way. In Of Mice and Men, George comes off as being very harsh toward Lennie. His motivation is to protect Lennie and help them achieve their dream.

Direct and Indirect Characterization Direct Characterization A writer TELLS readers what a character is like. Indirect Characterization Reveals the character’s personality in various ways, by SHOWING character traits.

Notes on Indirect Characterization The writer shows a character’s personality: by what the character says in how the character looks (appearance) in the character’s thoughts and feelings by characters’ dialogue (between characters) in a character’s behavior.

Example of Direct Characterization “Telling”

Which One? Indirect or Direct? Telling or Showing…. see if you can guess…

Indirect or Direct

A.“That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.” B.Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. Indirect or Direct Characterization?

Static and Dynamic Characters Static Characters Do not change much in the story. Dynamic Characters Change as a result of the story’s events.

Flat and Round Characters "Round" characters are characters that have a lot of depth and detail and their personalities can be easily described and pictured. Round characters are almost always main characters. “Flat” characters are minor characters who do not tend to change or grow very much. Flat characters are usually supporting or minor characters that just add background and detail to the story.