Collection 2: On Your Own Character

The person or people (or animals) in a story who struggles to attain a goal.

Character Trait Any aspect of a character that describes his or her appearance, personality, motivations, or role in a story. Examples: Tall, strong, loud, greedy, witty, brother, sister, soldier, nurse.

First Person Narration Is when a story is told directly from a character’s point of view. Most commonly, it is told using “I” and “me.” Example: “Cask of Amontillado”

Third Person Narration When a story is told by a narrator who is not directly part of the story. Most commonly uses “he,” “she,” or “they.” Example: “The Most Dangerous Game.”

Second Person Narration When a story uses the reader as a character in the story. Most commonly, this is told using “you.” Example: “If on a Winter’s Night, a Traveler.” Example2: Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Dialogue A conversation that happens between two or more characters in a story.

Dramatic Monologue Sometimes written as a poem. It is when a character addresses a silent listener, usually the reader.

Soliloquy A self-revealing speech made by a character, most commonly used in plays. Example: Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Characterization How a character is described in a story. There are two types: Direct Indirect

Direct Characterization The author describes exactly what the character looks like, sounds like, and what his or her motives are in a straight forward way.

Indirect Characterization The author describes a character by showing what a character says, does, and feels. The reader must interpret the qualities of the character from the text.