1. Characterization

2. Character Characters: the people in a story –Human –Animal –Inanimate Object Main Character: usually deals with the conflict –Protagonist—The central character in a story –Antagonist—The principal character in opposition to the protagonist

3. Protagonist or Antagonist??

4. Types of Characters Dynamic Characters: Characters who undergo changes as the plot unfolds Static Characters: Characters who remain the same throughout the story

5. Types of Characters Round Characters: Well-developed characters; many personality traits are revealed by the author Flat Character: Characters who are described more simply in a story; they just keep it going!

6. Direct Characterization One method used to develop characters The author makes direct statements about a character’s personality and what he/she is like The author TELLS the reader “The wolf was mean and hungry.”

7. Indirect Characterization The author SHOWS a character’s traits 2 indirect methods –A character’s speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions –The speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of OTHER characters

8. Direct or Indirect? Little Jimmy might have looked cute on the outside, but all those who had spent any time with him knew that he was the poster child for the “terrible twos.” Direct—TOLD TO US!

9. Direct or Indirect? “Nathan in such a teacher’s pet!” exclaimed Sarah, who was easily bothered by Nathan’s relationship with the teacher. The speech of another character SHOWED TO US

10. Direct or Indirect? Katie had green hair and always wore combat boots with pink knee socks. Physical description Direct

11. Direct or Indirect? “Why don’t my parents understand me?? I do everything they ask, but they’re still not pleased,” Angela explained to her best friend. A character’s speech SHOWED TO US!!

12. Direct or Indirect Characterization? Eddie did not fear the mailman. He stood watch at the door each day at 3:00, ready to attack if necessary. Direct comments about the character TOLD TO US!

13. Identifies traits of a person. These traits must always be adjectives (modify a noun). Examples: pretty girl smart boy energetic dog creative artist

14. Direct vs. Indirect Direct characterization: narrator tells the audience the personality of a character. Example: The patient boy was well mannered and did not disobey his mother.

15. Indirect characterization: narrator shows shows things that reveal the personality of a character. This is done through words,actions, thoughts, or another person’s words.

16. Indirect characterization through words I am so excited about our vacation to Europe! Trait: anxious, excited, happy

17. Indirect characterization through actions “The man cried.” Trait: sad, upset, depressed

18. Indirect characterization through thoughts Wow! I don’t understand at all! Trait: confused, dazed

19. Indirect characterization through another person’s words I can’t believe Tom did that! He is so coldhearted! Trait: mean, coldhearted, ruthless

20. Character Analysis Name your character Describe his/her physical appearance in detail (clothes, hair, facial expressions, etc.) Describe a possible conflict this character might encounter What might this character think, say, feel, or do? (His/Her actions or words) x2 What might another character think or say about your character? X2 Pretend you are the narrator of a story and that your character is the protagonist. What direct comments might you make about your character? x2 BE CREATIVE!!!

21. Why is characterization so important anyway? Helps the reader visualize a character Example: The girl wore a long, black dress with bright red lipstick on her lips. Establishes facts about a character Example: During the lecture, the professor explained that he had originally worked for NASA.

22. Helps establish a story’s setting Example: The young girls wore tan moccasins with deerskin clothing. They used natural turquoise to make their own jewelry. Shows the reader how a character might react in a given situation Example: Johnny was very nervous and timid to approach Jill about the homecoming dance.