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Characterization. Character. Characters: the people in a story Human Animal Inanimate Object Main Character: usually deals with the conflict Protagonist —The central character in a story Antagonist —The principal character in opposition to the protagonist. Protagonist or Antagonist??.
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Character • Characters: the people in a story • Human • Animal • Inanimate Object • Main Character: usually deals with the conflict • Protagonist—The central character in a story • Antagonist—The principal character in opposition to the protagonist
Types of Characters • Dynamic Characters: Characters who undergo changes as the plot unfolds • Static Characters: Characters who remain the same throughout the story
Types of Characters • Round Characters: Well-developed characters; many personality traits are revealed by the author • Flat Character: Characters who are described more simply in a story; they just keep it going!
Direct Characterization • One method used to develop characters • The author makes direct statements about a character’s personality and what he/she is like • The author TELLS the reader “The wolf was mean and hungry.”
Indirect Characterization • The author SHOWS a character’s traits • 2 indirect methods • A character’s speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions • The speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of OTHER characters
Direct or Indirect? • Little Jimmy might have looked cute on the outside, but all those who had spent any time with him knew that he was the poster child for the “terrible twos.” • Direct—TOLD TO US!
Direct or Indirect? • “Nathan in such a teacher’s pet!” exclaimed Sarah, who was easily bothered by Nathan’s relationship with the teacher. • The speech of another character • SHOWED TO US
Direct or Indirect? • Katie had green hair and always wore combat boots with pink knee socks. • Physical description • Direct
Direct or Indirect? • “Why don’t my parents understand me?? I do everything they ask, but they’re still not pleased,” Angela explained to her best friend. • A character’s speech • SHOWED TO US!!
Direct or Indirect Characterization? • Eddie did not fear the mailman. He stood watch at the door each day at 3:00, ready to attack if necessary. • Direct comments about the character • TOLD TO US!
Identifies traits of a person. These traits must always be adjectives (modify a noun). Examples: pretty girl smartboy energetic dog creative artist
Direct vs. Indirect Direct characterization: narrator tells the audience the personality of a character. Example: The patient boy was well mannered and did not disobey his mother.
Indirect characterization: narrator showsthings that reveal the personality of a character. This is done through words ,actions, thoughts, or another person’s words.
Indirect characterization through words I am so excited about our vacation to Europe! Trait: anxious, excited, happy
Indirect characterization through actions “The man cried.” Trait: sad, upset, depressed
Indirect characterization through thoughts Wow! I don’t understand at all! Trait: confused, dazed
Indirect characterization through another person’s words I can’t believe Tom did that! He is so coldhearted! Trait: mean, coldhearted, ruthless
Name your character Describe his/her physical appearance in detail (clothes, hair, facial expressions, etc.) Describe a possible conflict this character might encounter What might this character think, say, feel, or do? (His/Her actions or words) x2 What might another character think or say about your character? X2 Pretend you are the narrator of a story and that your character is the protagonist. What direct comments might you make about your character? x2 BE CREATIVE!!! Character Analysis
Why is characterization so important anyway? • Helps the reader visualize a character Example: The girl wore a long, black dress with bright red lipstick on her lips. • Establishes facts about a character Example: During the lecture, the professor explained that he had originally worked for NASA.
Helps establish a story’s setting Example: The young girls wore tan moccasins with deerskin clothing. They used natural turquoise to make their own jewelry. • Shows the reader how a character might react in a given situation Example: Johnny was very nervous and timid to approach Jill about the homecoming dance.