Characterization

Character traits

CharacterThe people or animals in a literary work.

Protagonist: the main character of the story

Antagonist: the person who opposes the protagonist

Flat CharacterDefined by very little

character traits.Lacks a realistic personality.Often a stereotype.Helps move the plot along

quickly because the audience already understands what the character is like.

Minor characters are usually flat characters.

Example: a geeky professor

Round CharacterA complex individual

incapable of being easily defined.

They are realistic and have a depth of personality.

UnpredictableProtagonists and antagonists

are usually round characters.

More Types of CharactersDynamic Character

Significantly changes throughout the course of the story.

Protagonist is almost always dynamic.

Static CharacterDoes not undergo significant change. Supporting characters are often static.

ArchetypesBasic, recurring patterns in literatureUniversal symbols

An archetype is the most perfect version of something, like a Hero that is honest, brave, kind, and good-looking. Some examples of archetypes are: The Wise Elder, The Villain, The Hero, The Mother

Identifying Character TraitsVALUES – what does the character care for?LONGINGS – what does the character desire or try

to obtain/achieve?ATTITUDE – what kind of mental outlook does the

character have?MOTIVES – what inspires or drives the character to

act in a certain way?INTENTIONS – what does the character plan to do?FLAWS – what imperfections or weaknesses does

the character have?PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

CharacterizationThe process of conveying information about

characters.

Authors use words to create a mental image of a character in a story.

Types of CharacterizationDirect Characterization

The author literally tells what the character is like.

Example: The boy was stubborn and bad-mannered.

Indirect CharacterizationAuthor shows details that reveal what the

character is like through thoughts, actions, speech, etc.

Ex: The little boy bit his sister when she refused to share her toys.

Methods of Characterization

Authors communicate information about their characters by using:1. Physical appearance

of the character2. Interactions between

characters3. Narration about the

character and hat the character is thinking

4. Dialogue of or about the character

5. Actions of the character

How do we analyze character?

Make an

inference…

Zoe cheered loudly. “Go Wildcats! You can do it!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. Other fans in the stadium just stared glumly. There was no way the Wildcats would win. That didn’t stop Zoe, though.

Is Zoe optimistic or cynical?

Nolan sprinted toward the end zone as his friends trailed behind him. “Touchdown!” he yelled as he scored – again. Nolan strutted down the field wearing a big grin on his face.