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Methods of Characterization

Explore various methods of character analysis in literature, such as direct descriptions, physical appearances, actions, speech, thoughts, reactions of others, and relationships. Examples from "The Odyssey" illustrate these techniques in understanding character personalities, motivations, and dynamics within the story.

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Methods of Characterization

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  1. Methods of Characterization

  2. (1) Direct Description When the narrator flat out tells you information • nonphysical characteristics (personality, motivations, attitudes, strengths and weaknesses) • personal history • Example from The Odyssey: • “In the nights, true, he’d sleep with her in the arching cave—he had no choice—unwilling lover alongside lover all too willing…” (5.170-172)

  3. (2) Physical Appearance What the character looks like • Examples from The Odyssey: • “Athena’s sparkling eyes” (1.182) • “Out of his bath he stepped, glistening like a god…” (3.1.525)

  4. (2) Actions The character’s body language, physical actions, and decisions • Example from The Odyssey: • “Tears sprang to her eyes, she rushed straight to the prince as the other maids of great Odysseus flocked around him, hugged him warmly, kissed his head and shoulders.” (17.33-35)

  5. (3) Speech What the character says and how s/he says it • AKA “voice” • Example from The Odyssey: • “‘I will never plot some new intrigue to harm you. Never. All I have in mind and devise for you are the very plans I’d fashion for myself if I were in your straits. My every impulse bends to what is right. Not iron, trust me, the heart within my breast. I am all compassion.” (5.207-212)

  6. (4) Thoughts What's going on inside the character's head (as told by narrator) • Example: • “First by far to see her was Prince Telemachus, sitting among the suitors, heart obsessed with grief.” (1.132-133)

  7. (5) Reactions of Others How other characters respond to him/her • Example from The Odyssey: • “He was so intense the lustrous goddess smiled, stroked him with her hand, savored his name and chided, ‘Ah what a wicked man you are, and never at a loss.’” (5.200-203)

  8. (6) Relationships Who the character's friends/enemies/etc. are • Example from The Odyssey: • “Eumaeus echoed his prayer to all the gods that their wise king would soon come home again. Certain at least these two were loyal to the death, Odysseus reassured them quickly, ‘I’m right here, here in the flesh—myself—home at last…’” (21.230-234)

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