Characterization

Characterization:

Characterization is the way in which authors convey information about their characters. Descriptions of a character's appearance, behavior, interests, way of speaking, and other mannerisms are all part of characterization.

Note: When a story is told in first person, the narrator’s way of telling a story is essential to his/her characterization

There are two types:O Direct Characterization: when the

author directly tells us about a character’s personality or physical appearance

O Indirect Characterization: when the author relies on the reader to draw conclusions about a character’s traits.

… But how does that work?

CharacterizationHow does an author build or create a character?

O His wordsO His actionsO His thoughtsO His interactions with othersO Reactions from othersO Physicality

O What the author tells us

Examples:

"She was not looking forward to wearing a frilly, pink dress to the dance." (she's a tomboy)

"Bill was a liar and a cheat." (he's a liar and a cheat)

Types of CharactersO Static: character who undergoes

little or no inner-change; a character who does not grow or develop.

O Dynamic: character who undergoes an important inner-change, as in a change in personality or attitude.

Example:

Dr. Sues’ Green Eggs and Ham…Who is the static character?Who is the dynamic character?

Types of CharactersO Round: character whose

personality, background, motives, and other features are fully detailed by the author.

O Flat: character whose personality, background, motives, and other features are not fully detailed by the author, but who has an important purpose in the story.

Review

So far in Tangerine, who do you think is a static character? Who do you think is a dynamic character?

So far in Tangerine, who is a round character? Who is a flat character?

Can a character be both static and round? Both dynamic and flat?

Types of CharactersO Protagonist: the leading character,

hero or heroine of a story; usually a positive force who changes over the course of the story.

O *Antagonist: The force that works against the protagonist in a story. Is not always another character.

ProcedureO Number blank side of page and add

“Paul Fisher Characterization” to your table of contents

O Draw what you believe Paul to look like. Add symbols, scenery, and key words in the space around him. Find evidence from the book. There is more to Paul than just his glasses.

O Complete your responses on the back of the sheet.