Characterization Who is that guy?

1. Characterization Definition – Characterization is the way writers develop characters or show their personality in a story Two types – ◦ Direct Characterization ◦ Indirect Characterization

2. Direct Characterization Meaning – when the writer simply tells the reader what a character is like Example ◦ Sherlock Holmes is clever and resourceful. ◦ Dracula is an evil vampire.

Direct Characterization 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.

Direct Characterization How does direct characterization help make a story better?  It seems to me that direct characterization helps to make a story better because…

3. Indirect Characterization Meaning – When the writer gives the reader clues about the character by describing how the character acts and thinks. The writer allows the reader to decide how to view the character.

Indirect Characterization There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Direct vs Indirect Characterization Why do you think it might be harder to understand indirect characterization than direct characterization?  It seems to me that it might be harder to understand indirect characterization than direct characterization because…

Indirect Characterization Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak? Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.

Indirect Characterization Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Indirect Characterization Effect on Others- What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Indirect Characterization Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave? Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage. This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

Indirect Characterization Looks- What does the character look like? How does the character dress? Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face. This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING v. SHOWING! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

4. Protagonist Meaning – the main character Example ◦ Alice from Alice in Wonderland ◦ Tarzan from Tarzan ◦ Cinderalla from Cinderella

Protagonist Who is the protagonist of your favorite book, movie, or story?  My favorite protagonist is the character ______.

5. Antagonist Meaning – the character that the protagonist struggles against ◦ The “bad guy” Example: ◦ Captain Hook from Peter Pan ◦ The Big Bad Wolf from The Three Little Pigs

Antagonist Who is an antagonist who you greatly dislike?  One antagonist who I greatly dislike is ______, because _________.

6. Subordinate Characters Meaning – characters who do not play major roles in a story Example: ◦ Extras in a movie ◦ The evil step-sisters from Cinderella

7. Motivations Meaning – the reason why a character does something Example ◦ In Cinderella, the prince’s motivation for searching for the owner of the glass slipper is love.

8. Round Characters Round characters are well developed characters. The author tells the reader a lot about the character.

Round Character In your opinion is a round character more likely to be a protagonist or a subordinate character?  In my opinion, a round character is more likely to be a ______________.

9. Flat Characters Flat characters are not developed. Readers know very little about them. ◦ Usually a minor character

Flat Character In your opinion is a flat character more likely to be a protagonist or a subordinate character?  In my opinion, a flat character is more likely to be a ______________.

11. Dynamic Character Meaning – a character who changes during the course of story. Often the change involves learning a major lesson Example: ◦ Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol learns to be more generous.

13. Static Character Meaning – A character who does not change during the story

14. Dialogue Meaning – Conversations that characters have among each other. Usually indicated by quotation marks.