character character: a person, animal, or other such object represented in a story
TRANSCRIPT
Character
Character: A person, animal, or other
such object represented in a story.
Characterization:
The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story.
(Direct or Indirect)
Direct Characterization
The method of character
development in which the author
simply tells you what the character is like.
For example, “Miss Alice was the nicest person you would
ever want to meet,” is direct
characterization.
Indirect Characterization
The method of characterization that is most similar to the way we learn about people in real life. Using indirect characterization, the author presents the character’s personality through what he/she says, his/her actions, or how other characters relate to him/her. You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.
Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?
Read the following example of characterization.
Decide whether it is an example of direct or
indirect characterization.
(A) James was one of those people who was
constantly angry. He looked for trouble
wherever he went, and he usually found it.
Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?
(B) Stanley’s eyes blazed as he surveyed the room. The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he stalked past her.
“Look out for Stan,” she whispered to Bart. “He’s in another one of his moods. I’d stay far away if I were you!”
Description A is an example of direct characterization.
The author comes right out and tells you that James was always angry, and that he was looking for a fight
almost constantly.
Description B is an example of indirect characterization.
We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he walked that he is angry. We can
also see that others are somewhat frightened by him by observing
their reactions. Carol moves aside and warns Bart to avoid Stanley.
Which method is more effective in developing the
character? Why do you think so?
Methods of Characterizationcreating believable characters…
INDIRECT DIRECT
-physical appearance -the narrator’s direct comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters
Types of Characters…
• Major
• Minor
Major Character
The major (main) character in a
story is like the star of a movie and is central to the action that takes place.
Example: Harry Potter and Percy
Jackson
Minor character…
A minor character is one who takes
part in the action but is not the
focus of attention.Examples: Ron,
Hermoine, and Luke
Types of Characters
• The protagonist (or major/main
character) is the central figure in the
work.• Harry Potter
• The antagonist is the character or
force pitted against the protagonist.• Voldemort
More types of characters…
• A Static Character:
Does not change through the course
of the action.• A Dynamic
Character: The one who does
change in the story.
Don’t forget the Stock Character…
Stock Character: A stereotype character that
is one found again and again in literary works. An example of a stock character is that of the
mad scientist that appears over and over in different works – such as
Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or Dr. Frankenstein.
Round Character
A round character is a complex, fully
developed character.
Example: Edmund and Lucy
Flat Character
A flat character is a one-dimensional
character, typically not central to the
story.Example: The
Professor, Seamus Finnigan
The protagonist is usually…
• The central character• A character the reader can identify with• Has a rounded personality (we hear
what they say, what others say about them, we know what they think and how they feel)
• A character with a dynamic personality
Secondary characters are usually…
•Static•Flat
Character Motivation
A motive is a reason that explains or partially explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or speech. If the motives of a main character are not clear, then the character will not be believable.
Characters are often motivated by needs, such as food and shelter. They are also motivated by feelings, such as fear, love, and pride. Motives may be obvious or hidden.
Character Motivation
• There are two types of character motivation:• Intrinsic: Motivated to do something by
internal factors.Examples: I want approval from parents/friendsI want to feel good about myselfI want to be a better personI want to fulfill personal satisfaction
Character Motivation
• Extrinsic: Motivated by external factors.• Example:
I want some chocolateI want to earn moneyI want good presents from Santa Claus
Character’s Qualities or Traits
Character Traits:The personal traits
that make up the character’s personality.
Example: Funny, Intense, Sly, Greedy, etc.
Dialogue
Dialogue: A conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is usually set off by quotation marks to indicate a speaker’s exact words.