Writing About Character The People in Literature

Character Traits Presentation and understanding of character is a major aim of fiction. Character is a verbal representation of a human being. Through action, speech, description, and commentary, authors portray characters who are worth caring about, cheering for, and even loving, although there are some characters your may laugh at, dislike, and hate. Each action or speech is part of a presentation of the complex combination of the inner and outer self that constitutes a human being. Actions, interactions, speeches, and observations are deliberate!!!

Character Traits (cont…) A trait is a quality of mind or habitual mode of behavior that is evident in active and passive ways. For example: never returning borrowed money, giving moral support to loved ones, being a reliable person, etc. Often a trait may be a person’s primary characteristic. Ambitious vs. lazy Serene vs. anxious Aggressive vs. fearful By analyzing a text, you can draw conclusions about their nature and their qualities

Distinguishing Between Circumstances and Character Traits Circumstances have value only if you show that they demonstrate important traits Winning the lottery isn’t important unless we know Sam has been playing every day for years. Take five minutes and think of some important traits portrayed by Holden Caufield that are evident through certain circumstances

Round Characters A round character is three-dimensional, rounded, authentic, memorable, original, and true to life. They are both individuals and unpredictable The full realization of their character is brought out through the story Most are dynamic, meaning they recognize, change with, or adjust to circumstances. These characters are often the protagonist or antagonist.

Flat Characters A flat character is not complex, but simple and one-dimensional. Most are static, meaning they end where they begin. The absence of growth stems from a lack of knowledge or understanding, or even from stupidity or insensitivity. They are NOT worthless; rather, they highlight the development of the round characters

Reality and Probability The actions of a character must be true to that character, just like in real life. You should distinguish between what a character possibly does and what he/she most frequently does or usually does.

How Author’s Disclose Characters 1. The actions of characters reveal their qualities 2. The author’s descriptions tell us about characters 3. What characters say reveals what they are like 4. What others say tells us about a character 5. The author, speaking as a storyteller or an observer, may present judgments about characters

QUESTIONS TO DISCOVER IDEAS Who is the major character? What do you learn about this character from his or her actions and speeches? From the speeches and actions of other characters? How else do you learn about the character? How important is the character to the work’s principal action? Which character oppose the major character? How do the major character and the opposing character(s) interact? What actions bring out important traits of the main character? To what degree is the character creating events, or just responding to them? Describe the major traits of the character. To what extent to the traits permit you to judge the character? What is your judgment? What do any other of the characters do, say or think to give you understanding of the character you are analyzing? What does the character say or think about himself or herself? Is the character real? Consistent? Believable?