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character_notes

The document outlines the types of characters in storytelling, distinguishing between dynamic and static characters, as well as protagonists and antagonists. It also explains characterization, which evaluates a character's personal attributes through direct and indirect methods, including appearance, thoughts, actions, and dialogue. Additionally, it provides examples of how these methods can reveal character traits both explicitly and implicitly.

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Mrs. C
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14 views

character_notes

The document outlines the types of characters in storytelling, distinguishing between dynamic and static characters, as well as protagonists and antagonists. It also explains characterization, which evaluates a character's personal attributes through direct and indirect methods, including appearance, thoughts, actions, and dialogue. Additionally, it provides examples of how these methods can reveal character traits both explicitly and implicitly.

Uploaded by

Mrs. C
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Character & Characterization Notes

Types of Characters
• Dynamic = A characters that changes over the course of the story

• Static = A character that does not change over the course of the story

Protagonist Antagonist
- Main Character - Opposing Character or Force
- Almost always dynamic - May be either dynamic or static

Characterization:
• The evaluation of a character to better understand his or her
personal attributes
o Personal attributes are the qualities or characteristics of a character in regards
to:
ƒ Physical appearance ƒ Social traits
ƒ Age ƒ Interests
ƒ Personality traits ƒ Occupation
ƒ Mental traits ƒ Etc.
ƒ Emotional traits

Types of Characterization:
• Characters may be revealed directly or indirectly
o Direct Characterization
ƒ A direct and specific statement is made by either the author
or the narrator about a character’s appearance, thoughts, feelings,
actions, or reaction
ƒ The description of a character is directly stated in the text and
can be read word for word

o Indirect Characterization
ƒ The reader must use clues from the text and draw upon their
own experiences to make inferences about a character and their
personal qualities
ƒ The description of the character is NOT directly stated within
the text.

Created by C.Nakazaki http://wikizaki.wikispaces.com/


Methods of Characterization:
A character’s qualities are revealed through 4 main methods.

1. Appearance (Author/Narrator’s Description)


o An attribute can be revealed by how a character looks
i. Direct Characterization Example:
¾ Megan was six feet tall, making her the tallest girl in her class.
ii. Indirect Characterization Example:
¾ His clothes were baggy and did not fit properly.
2. Thoughts & Emotions
o An attribute can be revealed by what a character thinks or feels
i. Direct Characterization Example:
¾ Julie was excited to find out Mark was in her class. She thought that
he was the cutest boy in the whole school.
ii. Indirect Characterization Example:
¾ Quickly scanning for her name the team roster, Nicole’s stomach
began to curl and tears welled up in her eyes until she was crying
uncontrollably.
3. Actions & Reactions
a. An attribute can be revealed by what the character does, how he/she reacts, and
how others react to the character
i. Direct Characterization Example:
¾ Stephen was a great hockey player and as he scored his 100th goal of
the season, the fans roared with excitement.
ii. Indirect Characterization Example:
¾ Gabby gazed out the window as Stephen continued to talk.
4. Dialogue
a. An attribute can be revealed by what the character says or by what others say
about him/her.
i. Direct Characterization Example:
¾ “I Love Him, Diana!”
ii. Indirect Characterization Example:
¾ I asked her if she liked buffalo wings and all she could say was, “I
didn’t know buffalos had wings!”

Created by C.Nakazaki http://wikizaki.wikispaces.com/

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