Characters Page 84

Characterization The way a writer reveals a character The way a writer reveals a character

Direct Characterization The author tells the reader The author tells the reader Ex. “Bob was ocd, obsessive compulsive.” Ex. “Bob was ocd, obsessive compulsive.”

Indirect Characterization The author lets the reader decide what a character is like. (Show me, Don’t Tell me!)

Describe the Character’s appearance.

Show the character in action

Actions reveal character

Allow the reader to hear the character speak. Napoleon Dynamite: Stay home and eat all the freakin' chips, Kip. Kip: Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter. Napoleon Dynamite: Since when, Kip? You have the worst reflexes of all time. Kip: Try and hit me, Napoleon. Napoleon Dynamite: What? Kip: I said come down here and see what happens if you try and hit me. Napoleon Dynamite: Stay home and eat all the freakin' chips, Kip. Kip: Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter. Napoleon Dynamite: Since when, Kip? You have the worst reflexes of all time. Kip: Try and hit me, Napoleon. Napoleon Dynamite: What? Kip: I said come down here and see what happens if you try and hit me. Napoleon Dynamite Kip Napoleon Dynamite Kip Napoleon Dynamite Kip Napoleon Dynamite Kip Napoleon Dynamite Kip Napoleon Dynamite Kip

Reveal the character’s thoughts and feelings Ashley did not like the looks of the squash pudding but she decided to eat it anyway. Ashley did not like the looks of the squash pudding but she decided to eat it anyway.

Setting Setting reveals character. Setting reveals character. Ex.: Ex.: Ms. Verge in classroom. Ms. Verge in classroom. Ms. Verge at the park with her children. Ms. Verge at the park with her children. Ms. Verge passed out in an alley. Ms. Verge passed out in an alley.

Motivation The reasons (motives) for a character’s actions. The reasons (motives) for a character’s actions.

Page 129 Mrs. Flowers Taut-tightly stretched Taut-tightly stretched Benign- kindly Benign- kindly Infuse-fill Infuse-fill Intolerant-unwilling to accept something Intolerant-unwilling to accept something Illiteracy- inability to read or write. Illiteracy- inability to read or write.

Protagonist The main character The main character

Antagonist The character who blocks the protagonist The character who blocks the protagonist

Man vs. Self

Man vs. Man

Round Character A character who seems real because he or she has many different, fully developed traits A character who seems real because he or she has many different, fully developed traits

Flat Character A easily described, one-dimensional character. A easily described, one-dimensional character.

Dynamic Character A character who grows, matures, or changes in the story. A character who grows, matures, or changes in the story.

Static character A character who is still the same at the end of story. A character who is still the same at the end of story.

Stereotype or Stock Character A character who represents a fixed idea or a bias about a group of people; for example, a fast talking used-car salesman. A character who represents a fixed idea or a bias about a group of people; for example, a fast talking used-car salesman.