Character Types Motivation Conflict

Connecting with Characters What draws readers into a story? Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind. [End of Section]

Main Characters Protagonist—the main character of a story. The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces. Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome. [End of Section]

Subordinate Characters Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot. Main character Friends [End of Section]

Flat Characters versus Round Characters have only one or two character traits that can be described in a few words have no depth, like a piece of cardboard

Flat Characters versus Round Characters have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other are much like real people, with several sides to their personality [End of Section]

Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters change or grow as a result of the story’s actions learn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflicts The changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning of the story.

Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters do not change or grow are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning Subordinate characters are often static characters. [End of Section]

Conflict External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force. character versus character character versus society character versus nature

Internal conflict—struggle between opposing needs or desires or emotions within a character. character versus himself character versus herself

Conflict Quick Check What type of conflict does the character face? “Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.” I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly. from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier [End of Section]

Conflict Quick Check What type of conflict does the character face? “Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.” I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly. from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier Internal conflict. She has to decide whether to join in or not.

Motivation Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. It explains behaviors reveals personality is often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needs Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions. [End of Section]

Direct Presentation of Character Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.” The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Indirect Presentation of Character Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL) Speech: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” Thoughts: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! Effect on others: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. Actions: The girl crashed the car through the house and into the garage Looks: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face.

Practice Protagonist Think of a story you’ve read in which the protagonist faces powerful conflicts. Use a chart like the one here to map out the conflicts and their resolutions, as well as the protagonist’s motivations. Motivation Motivation Internal Conflict External conflict and antagonist Resolution Resolution [End of Section]