characterization a literary device that always follows a step-by-step plan for introducing and explaining a character in the {story. {
types of characterizations Direct the author uses a narrator, another character or the protagonist him/herself to tell the reader what the character is like The shy little girl had red hair. Indirect the reader has to figure out what the character is like by observing his/her behavior, speech, thought process, appearance, etc. and by examining how other characters react The eight-year-old s auburn hair contrasted with her quiet personality, which hid itself behind her clouded green eyes.
which is it? Gary is a nice person. He is always doing good deeds. He is very caring too. Gary watched his little brother for two hours while their mother was ill, taking care of his every need. He did this without being asked. The old woman loved her grandson a lot, even when he was naughty. He was naughty sometimes. He even picked all her roses from the garden once. She was scared after that. The next thing the elderly grandmother knew, her sweet grandson was tearing up the flower garden, ripping the roses right off the stems with his own bare hands as if stealing candy from a baby. His maniacal laugh filled her with fright, though her love for him was never-ending.
which is it? Gary is a nice person. He is always doing good deeds. He is very caring too. Gary watched his little brother for two hours while their mother was ill, taking care of his every need. He did this without being asked. The old woman loved her grandson a lot, even when he was naughty. He was naughty sometimes. He even picked all her roses from the garden once. She was scared after that. The next thing the elderly grandmother knew, her sweet grandson was tearing up the flower garden, ripping the roses right off the stems with his own bare hands as if stealing candy from a baby. His maniacal laugh filled her with fright, though her love for him was never-ending. this is telling. this is showing.
How to Characterize step one: Introduce the character Physical traits (looks) Behaviors (what the character is doing) Include setting details No other characters at this point in the process No thoughts/emotions/feelings No dialogue
How to Characterize step two: Explain what is going on inside the character s mind Thoughts (may include opinions and ideas) Emotions (feelings) Thoughts may be expressed internally or externally (speaking aloud) Still no other character interaction, though thoughts/emotions may be about another character
How to Characterize step three: Allow other characters to react/interact with your initial character Conversations/dialogue Actions
static character A character who does not change, develop or grow throughout the action of a play, book or movie. Does not understand how actions affect others Stays true to him/herself only Examples: Sherlock Holmes, Homer Simpson, James Bond, Wolverine
dynamic character A character who starts off believing, feeling or acting one way, but winds up seeing things differently by the end of the story. Faces trials and challenges Learns from mistakes Gains maturity over time Examples: Bilbo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, Cher Horowitz, any Disney protagonist
flat character A character with only one or two personality traits. No emotional depth Support the main character Examples: Lee Jordan, Miss Maudie, Benvolio, Olaf dynamic character A character who starts off believing, feeling or acting one way, but winds up seeing things differently by the end of the story. Examples: Bilbo Baggins, Batman, Darth Vadar, Cher Horowitz, any Disney protagonsist
round character A character with many traits; a fullydeveloped character. Has depth in feeling/emotion Believable because of inconsistencies Examples: Jay Gatsby, Hermoine Granger, Batman
stock character A familiar character readers know well Requires no introduction Highly stereotypical Examples: Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella
the archetype A universal symbol: a character, theme, symbol or setting. Common representations in human culture, regardless of geography Allows readers to easily identify or accept characters in their context
stock characters vs. archetypes Stock characters are flat and cliché, and can have a negative connotation Stock characters are time period dependent and can go out of date Archetypes not only provide the reader with character understanding, but also provide an idea of theme and plot terminology Odysseus and Perseus are archetypal heroes. The archetype of the Hero s Journey is featured in many stories. In The Giver, the Giver represents the archetypal mentor. The archetype of the Desert vs. Water can be seen in the novel with regard to memories.