Characterization
What is a character? A character is anyone who plays a role in the story.
Watch the following videos and write down EVERYTHING you can about the character.
Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.
Direct Characterization happens when the writer flat out tells you some fact about a character:
The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.
The lady at the hotel is sweet and helpful.
My mother loves me more than anything.
Indirect Characterization reveals the personality of a character without the AUTHOR simply telling you. Five methods of indirect characterization:
A Character's Speech
Johnny said, "I want to read this new book so badly."
A Character's Thoughts
After the game, Linda thought about the three-pointer she missed at the buzzer.
How others react to a character
When the crazy woman at the checkout counter started screaming at the worker, the people behind her
began to roll their eyes and look away.
A Character's Actions
Steven found an iPod on the ground. He took it straight to the lost and found.
A Character's looks
The man wearing camouflage had a scar above his eye and a tattoo that said "14th Paratroopers."
Use the Indirect Characterization Chart for these two excerpts:
Direct Characterization happens when the writer flat out tells you some fact about a character:
The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.
The lady at the hotel is sweet and helpful.
My mother loves me more than anything.
Indirect Characterization reveals the personality of a character without the AUTHOR simply telling you. Five methods of indirect characterization:
A Character's Speech
Johnny said, "I want to read this new book so badly."
A Character's Thoughts
After the game, Linda thought about the three-pointer she missed at the buzzer.
How others react to a character
When the crazy woman at the checkout counter started screaming at the worker, the people behind her
began to roll their eyes and look away.
A Character's Actions
Steven found an iPod on the ground. He took it straight to the lost and found.
A Character's looks
The man wearing camouflage had a scar above his eye and a tattoo that said "14th Paratroopers."
Use the Indirect Characterization Chart for these two excerpts:
indirect_characterization_chart.docx | |
File Size: | 99 kb |
File Type: | docx |
harry_potter_excerpt.docx | |
File Size: | 18 kb |
File Type: | docx |
excerpt_from_twilight.docx | |
File Size: | 20 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Round vs. Flat Characters No, this isn't talking about whether a character is in shape or out of shape!
A round character is:
Most MAJOR characters in books are round, like Woody from Toy Story.
A round character is:
- Well-developed
- Has many traits, both good and bad
- Not easily predictable because he/she is not one-dimensional
- Realistic and lifelike
Most MAJOR characters in books are round, like Woody from Toy Story.
A Flat character is:
Most MINOR characters are flat, like Rex from Toy Story.
- Not well-developed
- Does not have many traits
- Easily defined in a single sentence because we know little about him/her
- Sometimes stereotyped (the crooked cop or the sweet old lady)
Most MINOR characters are flat, like Rex from Toy Story.
We'll read these excerpt together and talk about round and flat characters:
excerpt_from_ender.docx | |
File Size: | 20 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_boy_in_the_striped_pajamas.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Homework - Make a List of all the flat and
round characters in Jumper. There are a lot
more flat characters in Jumper than round
so that side of your list should have more
people listed.
round characters in Jumper. There are a lot
more flat characters in Jumper than round
so that side of your list should have more
people listed.
Static vs. Dynamic characters Static characters:
Most MINOR characters are static. Some major characters are static, too, like Lord Voldemort (the ANTAGONIST)--he's evil in the beginning and evil at the end.
- Stay the same--like static on your TV
- May have something bad or good happen to them, but that doesn't cause them to change
Most MINOR characters are static. Some major characters are static, too, like Lord Voldemort (the ANTAGONIST)--he's evil in the beginning and evil at the end.
Dynamic characters:
Many MAJOR characters are dynamic, especially the protagonist (Harry Potter). Harry changes throughout the movies/books, but so does Neville Longbottom, who was cowardly and awkward at first, but courageous in the end.
- Go through a change in personality in the story
- Usually realize something that permanently changes them
- Change or make a realization as a result of the events of the story
Many MAJOR characters are dynamic, especially the protagonist (Harry Potter). Harry changes throughout the movies/books, but so does Neville Longbottom, who was cowardly and awkward at first, but courageous in the end.
Use the "How and Why a Character Changes" handout on this excerpt: Questions to consider:
- How do these characters' actions, dialogue, and interaction drive the plot?
- The main character changes by the end. What theme can we pull from the story as a result of his change?
thank_you_maam.docx | |
File Size: | 69 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Questions to consider:
- Is Dave's father a static or dynamic character?
a_child_called_it.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |