CHARACTERIZATION IN LITERATURE

Character Traits are words that describe character’s personality or qualities that make them who they
are. In other words, how you would describe that character to someone else. Character traits are often
shown with descriptive adjectives, like patient, faithful, or jealous.

Methods of Characterization in Literature

Characterization in literature is the process authors use to develop characters and create images of the
characters for the audience. There are two different approaches to characterization, including direct
characterization and indirect characterization. With the direct approach, the author tells us what he or
she wants us to know about the character. With indirect characterization, the author shows us things
about the character to help us have an understanding of the character's personality and effect on other
characters.

Five Methods of Characterization

An acronym, P.A.I.R.S, can help you recall the five methods of characterization: physical description,
action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech.

1. Physical description - the character's physical appearance is described. For example, we might
be told the color of hair or something about the clothing of the character. How the character
dresses might reveal something about the character. Does the character wear old, dirty clothing,
or stylish, expensive clothing?

2. Action/attitude/behavior - What the character does tells us a lot about him/her, as well as how
the character behaves and his or her attitude. Is the character a good person or a bad person? Is
the character helpful to others or selfish?

3. Inner thoughts - What the character thinks reveals things about the character. We discover
things about their personalities and feelings, which sometimes helps us understand the
character's actions.

4. Reactions - Effect on others or what the other characters say and feel about this character. We
learn about the relationships among the characters. How does the character make the other
characters feel? Do they feel scared, happy, or confused? This helps the reader have a better
understanding of all the characters.

5. Speech - What the character says provides a great deal of insight for the reader. The character
might speak in a shy, quiet manner or in a nervous manner. The character might speak
intelligently or in a rude manner.

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DETERMINE THE CHARACTER TYPE OF YOUR PROTAGONIST

You will receive clues about personality through a character's words, actions, reactions, feelings,
movements, thoughts, and mannerisms. Even a character's opinions can help you learn more
about the individual, and you may discover that the person fits one of these stock character types:

 Flat character. A flat character has one or two personality traits that don't change. The
flat character can play a major or a minor role.
 Round character. A round character has many complex traits; those traits develop and
change in a story. A round character seems more real than a flat character because real
people are complex.
 Stock or stereotype character. Stock characters are stereotypes, such as hot-tempered
redheads, stingy businessmen, and absent-minded professors. They are often found in
genre fiction (romance novels and mysteries, for example), and are usually flat
characters. They are often used as a tool to move a plot forward.
 Static character. A static character never changes. A loud, obnoxious "background"
character who remains the same throughout the story is static. A boring character who is
never changed by events is also static.
 Dynamic character. Unlike a static character, a dynamic character does change and
grow as the story unfolds. Dynamic characters respond to events and experience changes
in attitude or outlook. The character might go through a transformation during the course
of the storyline, and grow as a result of actions that took place.

Foil. A foil is a character who provides contrast to the main character (protagonist), in order to
emphasize the main character's traits.

SHOW YOUR CHARACTER'S DEVELOPMENT (GROWTH AND CHANGE)

When you are asked to write a character analysis, you will be expected to explain how a
character changes and grows. Most major characters go through some kind of significant
growth as a story unfolds, often a direct result of dealing with some sort of conflict. Notice, as
you read, which main characters grow stronger, fall apart, develop new relationships, or discover
new aspects of themselves.

Make note of scenes in which character changes become apparent or the character's opinions on
a topic change. Clues include phrases such as "she suddenly realized that..." or "for the first time,
he..."

UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY OF YOUR CHARACTER AND HOW IT

RELATES TO THE STORY AS A WHOLE CAN HELP YOU BETTER
UNDERSTAND THAT CHARACTER'S MOTIVES AND BETTER REPRESENT THE
PERSON IN YOUR OVERALL ANALYSIS.

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The list below contains synonyms for words students commonly use to describe characters. Use
the list to help your get past using words like "nice," "sad," or "smart" to describe characters.

Synonyms for Nice Synonyms for Scared sly

helpful terrified untrustworthy
friendly panicked
kindhearted nervous Synonyms for Funny
compassionate afraid amusing
pleasant alarmed hysterical
thoughtful frightened humorous
agreeable fearful comical
courteous petrified hilarious
silly
Synonyms for Mean Synonyms for Mad
wicked exasperated Synonyms for Thankful
rude annoyed appreciative
thoughtless outraged grateful
impolite furious
cruel frustrated Synonyms for Active
hateful angry athletic
unfriendly displeased energetic
unkind irritated Synonyms for Talkative
Synonyms for Happy Synonyms for Smart chatty
cheerful intelligent communicative
joyful brilliant
excited clever Synonyms for Shy
satisfied bright bashful
content skillful quiet
delighted wise
pleased brainy
glad
Synonyms for Brave
Synonyms for Sad daring
depressed courageous
gloomy adventurous
miserable fearless
unhappy heroic
discouraged
sorrowful Synonyms for Tricky
mournful dishonest
deceitful
sneaky
secretive