CharacterizationCharacterizationWho is that guy?

1. Characterization1. CharacterizationDefinition – Characterization is

the way writers develop characters or show their personality in a story

Two types –◦Direct Characterization◦Indirect Characterization

2. Direct Characterization2. Direct CharacterizationMeaning – when the writer simply

tells the reader what a character is like

Example◦Sherlock Holmes is clever and

resourceful.◦Dracula is an evil vampire.

Direct CharacterizationDirect Characterization

Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.”

The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Direct CharacterizationDirect CharacterizationHow does direct characterization

help make a story better? It seems to me that direct

characterization helps to make a story better because…

3. Indirect 3. Indirect CharacterizationCharacterizationMeaning – When the writer gives

the reader clues about the character by describing how the character acts and thinks.

The writer allows the reader to decide how to view the character.

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect CharacterizationThere are FIVE different methods

of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Direct vs Indirect Direct vs Indirect CharacterizationCharacterizationWhy do you think it might be

harder to understand indirect characterization than direct characterization?

It seems to me that it might be harder to understand indirect characterization than direct characterization because…

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

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!”

This shows us the character is

upbeat and happy.

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings?

Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside!

This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

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: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert.

This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage.

This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

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.

This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING v. SHOWING!

Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

4. Protagonist4. ProtagonistMeaning – the main character

Example ◦Alice from Alice in Wonderland◦Tarzan from Tarzan◦Cinderalla from Cinderella

ProtagonistProtagonistWho is the protagonist of your

favorite book, movie, or story? My favorite protagonist is the character

______.

5. Antagonist5. AntagonistMeaning – the character that the

protagonist struggles against◦The “bad guy”

Example:◦Captain Hook from Peter Pan◦The Big Bad Wolf from The Three Little

Pigs

AntagonistAntagonistWho is an antagonist who you

greatly dislike? One antagonist who I greatly dislike is

______, because _________.

6. Subordinate Characters6. Subordinate CharactersMeaning – characters who do not

play major roles in a storyExample:

◦Extras in a movie◦The evil step-sisters from Cinderella

7. Motivations7. MotivationsMeaning – the reason why a

character does somethingExample

◦In Cinderella, the prince’s motivation for searching for the owner of the glass slipper is love.

8. Round Characters8. Round CharactersRound characters are well

developed characters. The author tells the reader a lot about the character.

Round CharacterRound CharacterIn your opinion is a round

character more likely to be a protagonist or a subordinate character?

In my opinion, a round character is more likely to be a ______________.

9. Flat Characters9. Flat Characters

Flat characters are not developed. Readers know very little about them. ◦Usually a minor character

Flat CharacterFlat CharacterIn your opinion is a flat character

more likely to be a protagonist or a subordinate character?

In my opinion, a flat character is more likely to be a ______________.

11. Dynamic Character11. Dynamic CharacterMeaning – a character who

changes during the course of story.

Often the change involves learning a major lesson

Example:◦Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas

Carol learns to be more generous.

13. Static Character13. Static CharacterMeaning – A character who does

not change during the story

14. Dialogue14. DialogueMeaning – Conversations that

characters have among each other.

Usually indicated by quotation marks.