CHARACTERIZATION
Mr. Raber
“Types of Characters”
Major Characters:
• The PROTAGONIST is the main character
• Action is focused around the protag.
• The ANTAGONIST is also a major character
• He or she is AGAINST the protagonist
Minor Characters:
•Play subordinate roles
•Vary in degree of importance
STATIC vs. DYNAMIC Characters:
•STATIC CHARACTERS change very little
•DYNAMIC CHARACTERS change as a direct result of events- Changes can be subtle or dramatic
Both vary in degree of change
FLAT vs. ROUNDCharacters:
• ROUND CHARACTERS are complex-Cannot be summarized briefly
• FLAT CHARACTERS are basic-Can be summed up with a single word or phrase-Characterized with a single dominant trait
Other Characters:
•STOCK CHARACTER- a recognizable stereotypical character
•CARICATURE- an extreme exaggeration of one or several human characteristics
Types of Characterization:
1)GENERAL
2)DIRECT
3)INDIRECT
1) General Characterization:
• Includes the ways the author communicates natures of characters
• Can include both DIRECT and INDIRECT characterization
2) DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:
• Includes characters’ backgrounds, motives and personalities
• Includes direct description of appearance
• Also includes the narrator’s opinion- which could be biased
3) INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:
• Defines characters through their actions and statements
• Includes dialect, plot, and dialogue
Questions to Ask When Analyzing Characters:
• Does the character grow or deteriorate? Why or why not? (Static vs. Dynamic)
• How complex is the character? (Flat vs. Round)
• How important are the minor characters?
Other Questions to Ask When Analyzing
Characters:• Are the characters words and actions consistent? (Direct and Indirect)
• Is the character: intelligent, likeable, insightful, responsible, happy, believable? How do you know?
ANYQUESTIONS?