1. Sponge Bob Square Pants
Characterization
Sponge Bob
Square Pants

2. Characterization
Definition: An author uses several methods to make a character real and believable.
You’ll also need to understand motivation which is the “why” behind a character’s actions.

3. Methods of Characterization
1. Inner Thoughts and Feelings
The reader gets to see and hear the character’s thoughts and feelings when reacting to different situations.
First Person Narrative – Thoughts and feelings are revealed by the main character
Third Person Narrative – The narrator describes the inner thoughts and feelings of the character.
Inner thoughts and feelings are divulged (revealed) for a major character by his or her story telling or through narration.

4. Methods of Characterization
2. Speech
The words a character says.
For example, “Tartar Sauce”
A character’s “speech” may or may not agree with the character’s true inner thoughts and feelings, but the dialogue may reveal more about the character.

5. Methods of Characterization
Actions –
What a character does
walk, run, or stomp
Actions reveal the character’s willingness or unwillingness to participate in the events of the story.

6. Methods of Characterization
4. What others say:
A character’s response or actions may tell the reader something about another character.
For example, how a character talks about another character or the facial expressions one character shows about another character “say” something about a character.

7. Methods of Characterization
Appearance
How a character looks are described by the narrator, by other characters, or in the character’s own words.
Physical Traits include: hair color/length, facial description, body type, and clothing etc.
“absorbent and
yellow and porous is he!”

8. Review the 5 Methods of Characterization
I – inner thoughts and feelings
S – speech
A – actions
W – what others say
A – appearance
…CHARACTER

9. Type of Characters Protagonist: Antagonist:
This character is usually the hero of the story.
He/She may not be perfect, but the reader or audience “cheers” him/her on.
The “good guy”.
Antagonist:
This character always opposes the protagonist.
(an evil adversary)
Sometimes the adversary is truly evil or a bully.
The “bad guy”.

10. Type of Characters Dynamic: Static:
A dynamic character changes during the story.
The change is usually a result of solving the conflict.
The dynamic character is usually one of the main characters.
Static:
A static character does not change in a story.
Usually the static characters are minor characters.
Or possibly the story’s or novel’s antagonist.

11. Types of Characters Flat: Round:
A character who we know a lot about. The reader learns many details about this character. They are “well rounded” like a 3-D person.
Flat:
A character who we don’t know well. The reader learns little about this character. They are “flat” like a paper doll, only 2-D.