Chapter 4: Characters – The People in

FictionENG 404: AP English Literature and Composition

Unit I: Genre Study - Fiction

Section 1:Characters and

CharacterizationCharacterTraits vs. CircumstancesCharacterizationDimensions of CharacterVerisimilitude

The presentation and understanding of character is a major aim of fiction (and literature generally).

A character is a verbal representation of a person, portrayed through action, speech, description, and commentary.

Each action or speech, no matter how small, is part of a total presentation of the complex combination of both the inner and the outer self that constitutes a human being.

Characters in Fiction

A trait is a quality of mind or habitual mode of behavior that is evident in both active and passive ways.

A given trait may be minor, or it may be a person’s primary characteristic.

By analyzing the thoughts, actions, and speeches of literary characters, you can draw conclusions about their nature and their qualities.

Character Traits

It is important to distinguish between a character’s traits and circumstances.◦ Traits are internal and integral parts of the

character. They may change over the course of a story, but only through character development (learning and reflection).

◦ Circumstances are external to the character. They may change due to the character’s actions or due to external forces (e.g. other characters, fate, etc.).

Circumstances have value only if they demonstrate and/or impact a character’s traits.

Character Traits vs. Circumstances

The actions of characters reveal their qualities.◦ What characters do is our best clue to

understanding what they are.◦ Like real people, fictional characters do not

necessarily understand how they may be changing or why they do the things they do.

The author’s descriptions tell us about characters.◦ Includes descriptions of appearance and

environment◦ Tells the reader about traits and well as

circumstances

How Authors Disclose Character

What characters say reveals what they are like.◦ Characters’ speeches not only move the plot

forward, they also provide material from which you may draw conclusions about the speaker, listener, and subject.

◦ Often, characters use speeches to obscure their motives. Be on the lookout for discrepancies between a

character’s words and his/her actions, circumstances, traits, etc.

Explore the implications of such discrepancies in terms of plot, characterization, meaning, etc.

How Authors Disclose Character continued . . .

What others say tells us about a character.◦ By studying what characters say about each

other, you can enhance your understanding of the character being discussed.

◦ Speeches often indicate something beyond (even other than) what the speakers intend, perhaps because of prejudice, stupidity, or foolishness.

How Authors Disclose Character continued . . .

The author, speaking as a storyteller or an observer, may present judgments about characters.◦ What the author, speaking as a work’s authorial

voice, says about a character is usually accurate, and the authorial voice can be accepted factually.

◦ When the authorial voice interprets actions and characteristics, the author himself/herself assumes the role of a reader or critic, whose opinions are therefore open to question.

How Authors Disclose Character continued . . .

The basic trait of round characters is that we are told enough about them to permit the conclusion that they are three-dimensional, rounded, authentic, memorable, original, and true to life.◦ Depicted in a variety of settings and roles◦ Characterized by both individuality and

unpredictability◦ Full development of character may be tied to

unfolding of plot◦ Multi-dimensionality allows for internal, as well as

external, conflict

Types of Characters: Round vs. Flat

Flat characters are not complex, but are simple and one-dimensional. They may have no more than a single role to perform in a story, or they may be associated with no more than a single dominating idea.◦ Stock characters are standard character types

that appear in certain types of literature.◦ Representative characters illustrate the major

trait(s) of their class or group.◦ Stereotype characters possess no traits or

attitudes beyond those typically ascribed to their class or group.

Types of Characters: Round vs. Flat

Dynamic characters recognize, change with, or adjust to circumstances. Such changes may be shown in ◦ An action or actions;◦ The realization of new strength and affirmation of

previous decisions;◦ The acceptance of new conditions and the need

for making changes;◦ The discovery of unrecognized truths; or◦ The reconciliation of a character with adverse

conditions.

Types of Characters: Dynamic vs. Static

Static characters, by contrast, end pretty much where they begin. Their absence of growth or development results from lack of knowledge or understanding, or even from stupidity or insensitivity.

Types of Characters: Dynamic vs. Static

Dimensions of CharacterRound and Static Character•Multiple dimensions of character portrayed• Is unable or unwilling to change• Refusal to change may be source of conflict in story•May act as a foil for the more dynamic protagonist

Round and Dynamic Character• Usually the protagonist or other major character• Response to the need to change may be source of conflict in story• Change may be required in one key aspect of character or in character’s entire worldview

Flat and Static Character•Defined by only one character trait that does not change over time• Usually play relatively minor roles•May be used as plot device, symbol, cautionary figure, or comic relief•May be stock, representative, or stereotype character

Flat and Dynamic Character•Defined by one trait, but able and willing to change•May be used as plot device, symbol, cautionary figure, or comic relief•May be stock, representative, or stereotype character•May act as a foil for the more round and dynamic protagonist

Characters in fiction should be true to life. Therefore, their actions, statements, and thoughts must all be what human beings are likely to do, say, and think under the conditions presented in the literary work.◦ Verisimilitude: the quality of being true to life◦ Probability: the quality of being likely to happen◦ Plausibility: the quality of being possible and/or

conceivable You should distinguish between what

characters may possibly do and what they most frequently or most usually do.

Reality and Probability: Verisimilitude

The donne of a work influences its standards of probability.◦ Works that attempt to mirror life set up a pattern

of ordinary, everyday probability.◦ Less realistic conditions establish different

frameworks of probability, in which characters are expected to be unusual.

◦ Even works containing supernatural figures may adhere to more traditional standards of probability.

Reality and Probability: Verisimilitude

Section 2:Writing about Characters

General NotesGeneral StrategiesQuestions for ConsiderationOrganizing Your Essay

A character is a verbal representation of a human being

A character trait is a quality of mind or habitual mode of behavior and should not be confused with a character’s circumstances

Authors use five ways to bring characters to life◦ Actions by characters reveal their natures◦ The author’s descriptions tell us about characters◦ What characters say reveals what they are like◦ We learn about characters from what other say about

them◦ The author, speaking as a storyteller or observer,

may tell us about characters

Notes on Character

Characters may be dynamic or static Characters may be round (well-developed)

or flat (one-dimensional) Characters should be true to life

◦Characters’ actions should be in keeping with what the author has established as their traits and personalities (verisimilitude, probability, plausibility)

◦Probability does not rule out surprise or even exaggeration

Notes on Character continued

Topic will usually be a main character, although you might decide to study one or more minor characters

While re-reading the text, take notes on◦Character traits◦Methods of characterization

If you discover unusual or well-emphasized traits, determine what they show about the character

General Strategies

Questions for Consideration Who is the major character?

What do you learn about this character from his/her own actions and speeches? From the various methods of characterization?

How important is the character to the work’s principal action?

Which characters oppose the major character? How do the major character and opposing character(s) interact? What effects do these interactions create?

What actions bring out important traits of the main character? To what degree is the character creating or just responding to the events?

Characterize the main character’s actions: Are they good or bad, smart or stupid, etc.? How do they help you understand the protagonist?

Describe and explain the traits, both major and minor, of the character you plan to discuss. To what extent do the traits permit you to judge the character?

Questions continued In what ways is the

character’s major trait a strength—or a weakness? As the story progresses, to what degree does the trait become more or less prominent?

Is the character round and dynamic? How does the character recognize, change with, or adjust to circumstances?

If the character is flat and/or static, what function does he/she perform in the story?

If the character is a stereotype, to what type does he/she belong? To what degree does the character stay in the stereotypical role or rise above it?

What does the storyteller or narrator say about this character? How valid are his/ her comments and insights?

Is the character lifelike or unreal? Consistent or inconsistent? Believable or not believable?

Develop a central trait or major characteristic◦ Shows how the story embodies the trait◦ Focus on the differing ways in which the author

presents the character Explain a character’s growth or change

◦ Describe traits present at the beginning and then analyze changes or developments

◦ Stress actual alterations as they emerge without retelling the story

◦ Describe traits and analyze how they are brought out within the work (methods of characterization)

Organizing Your Essay on Character

Organize your essay around a number of separate characteristics◦ Most major characters are round, showing many

different traits and qualities◦ Allows for analysis of relationship between

complementary traits or tension between contradictory ones

◦ Analysis of multiple character traits should clarify connections between them

Organize your essay around central actions, objects, or quotations that reveal primary characteristics◦ Show how such elements serve as signposts or

guides to the character(s)

Organizing continued

Develop qualities of a flat character or characters◦ Develop topics such as

Relative significance of the character The group the character represents The relationship of the flat character to the round ones The importance of this relationship Any additional qualities or traits

◦ Explain Circumstances or defects that keep the character from

being round Importance of these shortcomings in the author’s

presentation of the character

Organizing continued