Characterization

Characterization
The Crucible

Characters
Protagonist: the main character

Antagonist: the character that comes in conflict with the protagonist (does not always have to be bad!)

Types of Characters
Round: shows many different traits throughout the storyFlat: shows only one or two traits throughout the storyStatic: a character that does not change by the end of the storyDynamic: a character that changes, develops, matures by the end of the story

Characterization
Techniques used to reveal the true nature of a character

Direct Description
The narrator or another character comments on one characters dress, appearance, habits, background, personality, etc.

Tells you directly about somebody.Bill is lazy.Bill likes to wear black hoodies and baggie jeans.

Portrayal of Behavior
IndirectThe actions or speech of the character let us draw conclusions about the character.

Bill slammed his head down on the desk and began to snore loudly when the teacher began lecturing.Bill began to curse the old ladies because they were walking too slowly.

Representation of Internal State
Write directly reveals a characters private thoughts or emotions

We will not focus on this during the unit, but you will see this term again later on in the year.

What is this an example of?
[Abigail to the girls] Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you. And you know I can do itand I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!
Portrayal of behavior

What is this an example of?
[Parris]: It has troubled me that you are now seven month out their house, and in all this time no other family has ever called for your service.
Direct Description