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Mastering Characterization in Writing

Learn the art of character creation in writing through direct and indirect characterization techniques. Understand how to develop static, dynamic, flat, and round characters while distinguishing protagonists from antagonists. Dive into the importance of motivation to create believable and engaging characters.

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Mastering Characterization in Writing

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  1. Character “You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans.” -- Ronald Reagan

  2. Direct Characterization – …And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I’m a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky. from “Raymond’s Run” by T. Bambara Indirect Characterization – The old man bowed to all of us in the room. Then he removed his hat and gloves, slowly and carefully. Chaplin once did that in a picture, in a bank. Then he handed his things to the boy, who stood obediently behind the old man's chair. from “Gentleman of Rio en Medio” by J. Sedillo I. Creating Character -- Revealing what humans are like is the point of stories. Readers must care.(i.e. Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird) A.Characterization – Revealing character (people, animals, things, places) 1. Character’s Speech/Dialogue 2. Character’s Appearance 3.Character’s Thoughts/Feelings 4. Character’s Actions 5. How Others Feel About Character B. Direct & Indirect Characterization 1. Direct – Writer simply tells info 2. Indirect – Requires reader’s interpretation of info

  3. Bumper Sticker Character

  4. II. Types of Characters Protagonists A.Static & Dynamic Characters 1. Static – Makes no change 2. Dynamic – Changes/grows B. Flat & Round Characters 1. Flat – 1-dimensional, few traits (not psychologically complex, easily accessible) 2. Round – 3-dimensional, many traits (inconsistent, unpredictable, hard to summarize & understand) C. Stereotype/Stock Character – Based on preconceived traits about a group D. Protagonists & Antagonists 1. Protagonist – Main character story focuses on (usually likable, “good guy”) 2. Antagonist – Character or force blocking the main character (the “bad guy”) Antagonists

  5. III. Motivation -- Reason for acting or feeling a certain way (Understanding motivation is important to understand character.) A. Must be logical & plausible

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