Characterization

1. Characterization

2. Method • Direct Method: • Author states the information about a character • A first person narrator provides information about another character

3. Method • Indirect Method: • A description of the environment provided by the author or a character, is an indirect method of characterization form which the reader can infer information about he characters. • The character’s actions tell the reader about him or her. • A character is revealed through the words or reactions of other characters • A character’s name can sometimes tell an observant reader much.

4. Types of Characters • Round • Complex • Memorable • Dynamic • Change or adjust to different situations • Protagonist is usually dynamic

5. Types of Characters (cont.) • Flat • Only one or two traits • Simple • Static • Usually minor characters • They do not grow because they lack insight

6. Types of Characters (cont.) • A Stock Character • Stereotype • Specific set of traits • Ex. Overbearing mother, cunning detective, nosy neighbor, hen-pecked husband, and nagging wife

7. Point of View • First Person • concerns • Limited knowledge • Might be unreliable • Benefits • Direct information

8. Point of View (cont.) • Third Person • Objective narration • Reporter

9. Point of View (cont.) • Omniscient Narration • Knows the events and the thoughts and feelings of the other characters. • Often comments on the events and characters • Limited Omniscient • Focused on only one character • Other characters are seen from the outside

10. Point of View (cont.) • Questions to ask about characterization • How much does the narrator know? That is, from what point of view is the story narrated? • Does the narrator have any characteristics or biases that we should consider when evaluating the characters he or she presents? How reliable is the narrator • From what the narrator presents in this passage, how would I describe the character(s)? What evidence from the passage supports this description?