Characterization

Characterization•Characterization is the METHOD writers use to create and develop characters.

Types of Characters

Flat Characters• Possess ONE or TWO

predominant traits and can be summed up in a sentence or two. “Most Dangerous Game’s” Ivan… a dangerous thug

Stock Characters• Stereotyped characters that

occur often in literature and are easily recognizable… the brilliant detective with eccentric habits, the super spy who is expert at everything, the cruel stepmother, etc.

Round Characters• Complex characters that are

many-sided. They have the three-dimensional quality of real people. Huck Finn lives vigorously in the imagination of those who have read Mark Twain.

Static Characters• Static characters remain much

the same throughout the story. Jeff (“A Summer Tragedy”) was the same throughout the story, as was Forrest Gump.

Dynamic Characters• Dynamic characters undergo

distinct change of character, personality, or outlook on life. It may be positive or negative, but it is something significant and basic. In literary fiction, that change is realistic.

Protagonist, Antagonist, and the Foil.

• PROTAGONIST– The main character• ANTAGONIST– The character who

opposes the protagonist• FOIL– Character who so contrasts

with the protagonist that it highlights the protagonist’s qualities

Characterization•There are two types of characterization–Direct AND Indirect

Direct Characterization• The writer directly states or

describes the characters’ traits.

• Example – “He was just, he had no jealousy.”

Indirect Characterization• The writer reveals a characters’ personality through

his/her words and actions, and through the thoughts, words and actions of others.

• There are FIVE different ways an author can use indirect characterization –

–SPEECH

–THOUGHTS

– EFFECT ON OTHER CHARACTERS

–ACTIONS

– LOOKS

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!”

THOUGHTS• What is revealed through the

character’s thoughts and feelings?

• Example – “I wish it would stop raining! I am very tired of sitting inside! There is nothing to do!”

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 – John went to his room when he heard his father pull into the driveway.

ACTIONS• What does the character do?• How does the character behave?

• Example – Tom completed the front of his house but left the back unfinished and the inside unfurnished.

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.

REMEMBER• The difference between direct

characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING vs. SHOWING!!!

• Indirect characterization is more sophisticated, engages the readers with the characters, and provides emotional connection with the characters.

Your Turn1. Determine if the example is

direct/indirect characterization. 2. If the example is indirect

characterization….*Determine if it can be categorized as:

-speech -looks-thoughts -actions-effect on others

PRACTICE #1

• John cared a lot for the well being of others. There was an odd couple living alone near his house. John used to buy weekly groceries for them and even check on them everyday, just to see how they are doing.

PRACTICE #1

• John cared a lot for the well being of others. There was an odd couple living alone near his house. John used to buy weekly groceries for them and even check on them everyday, just to see how they are doing.

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

PRACTICE #2

• Jane was a beautiful young girl. She had golden hair and blue eyes, which made her stand out from the rest.

PRACTICE #2

• Jane was a beautiful young girl. She had golden hair and blue eyes, which made her stand out from the rest.

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

PRACTICE #3

• Julie began fixing supper while the children played. First, she washed the romaine lettuce with grapefruit seed extract. Then she got out the mill to grind the corn. After it was ready, she used honey to replace the sugar in the recipe and put the cornbread in the oven. The dried beans were simmering in the crock pot. She washed and cut up the fresh strawberries they had picked that morning for dessert.

PRACTICE #3• Julie began fixing supper while the children played. First, she washed the romaine lettuce with

grapefruit seed extract. Then she got out the mill to grind the corn. After it was ready, she used honey to replace the sugar in the recipe and put the cornbread in the oven. The dried beans were simmering in the crock pot. She washed and cut up the fresh strawberries they had picked that morning for dessert.

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

ACTIONS – Through her actions, we see a conscientious mother concerned about the nutrition of her family. She cares enough to work harder in preparing meals the way she thinks is best.

PRACTICE #4• As he sat brooding in his room, Caleb thought

of how his baby sister spoiled everything. He thought of how things used to be before she arrived. He wanted to go to Disney World and have fun for his fourth birthday! He got an idea. Buck, their neighbor, feeds the dogs when they go out of town, so Buck could come by and feed the baby when he came to feed the dogs. He loved to play with her, and he could do that. He got up to go tell his mother.

PRACTICE #4• As he sat brooding in his room, Caleb thought of how his baby sister spoiled everything.

He thought of how things used to be before she arrived. He wanted to go to Disney World and have fun for his fourth birthday! He got an idea. Buck, their neighbor, feeds the dogs when they go out of town, so Buck could come by and feed the baby when he came to feed the dogs. He loved to play with her, and he could do that. He got up to go tell his mother.

• INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

THOUGHTS - Here we see the thoughts of a little boy and his frustrations with his new baby sister and the solution he thought of to solve the problem!

Video Clips•Watch the following video

clips and determine whether it is showing direct or indirect characterization! Explain your reasoning for your selection.

Direct & Indirect Characterization Exit Ticket

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: ____________________

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INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: __________________

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