Characterization

Characterization Making a character colorful

What is characterization? • Developing and portraying a personality through thought, action, dialogue, costuming and make-up

Types of Characters Rounded Characters Flat Characters A character with one clearly defined trait. • A character with various traits; some of them contradictory. Dynamic Character Static Character • A character that does not change, grow, or mature during the course of the play. • A character that changes, grows, or matures during the course of the play.

Other Types of Characters Antagonist Stereotypical Characters Protagonist The main character around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with who the audience identifies. Often they have the most at stake. A character that stands in direct opposition to the protagonist, acting as on obstacle to the protagonist's dramatic need. Not every play will have one of these. • A character that is immediately recognizable to the audience by its adherence to a cultural or behavioral archetype.

Two Levels of Characterization Internal Characterization External Characterization

Internal Characterization • Inner, personal qualities invisible to the eye

Internal Characteristics

Background • Where is your character from? • Where has your character lived? • Family circumstances • Environment that they work and live in • Level of education • Hobbies/Personal Interests • Occupation

Motivation/Objectives Motivation Objective The goal a character works toward in a scene entire play • A specific reason for saying or doing anything

Mental • Intelligent • Dull • Clever • Slow • Average

Spiritual • Ideals/Beliefs • Ethical Code • a person's sense of right and wrong • Values • broad preference concerning appropriate courses of action or outcomes

Emotional • Confident • Outgoing • Happy • Sullen • Cynical • Timid • Likes or dislikes • How does the character respond to others?

Personality • the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character • Critical • Vain • Cautious • Friendly • Spoiled • Vicious • Polite • Clumsy

External Characteristics • Qualities relating to a character’s outwardly visible traits

External Characteristics

Posture • The way the character sits or stands will suggest her/his personality

Movement • The character’s movement and gait (way the character walks) reveals to the audience about their age, health or attitude • Poise • Nervousness • Weakness • Strength

Mannerisms • Tics or habits • Nail biting • Tapping nails • Playing with hair • Head scratching

Dialogue/Voice • Accent (nation) • French • English • American • Australian • African • Central American • Dialect (region in a nation) • Louisianan • New York City • Texan • Midwest • Vocal mannerisms • Stutter • Grammar • Direct things the character says • “You Suck!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9EsyYw5d40

Costume • Style of clothing • Neatness • Casual/Prim/Sloppy • Clean/Dirty • Occupation • Waiter/Waitress • Wall Street CEO • Socialite • Farmer

Resources • http://quizlet.com/3692474/characterization-terms-flash-cards/ • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_(personal_and_cultural)

Characterization