Characterization

Methods of Characterization

An author implicitly (indirectly) reveals a character’s personality and traits by describing his/her:

• physical appearance • speech (both what is said and how) • actions • inner thoughts and feelings • his/her effect on other characters (what they say or how they act)

or the author can just tell the reader what to think about the character (Explicit).

Types of Character

Flat Character - only one or two traits are developed

Round Character - is complex and many-sided

Stock Character - the stereotyped figure who has occurred so often in fiction he/she is immediately known

Static Character - is the same sort of person at the end of the story as he was at the beginning

Developing Dynamic Character - undergoes permanent change in some aspect of his character, personality, or outlook

Character Foils - characters who contrast so strongly so that the traits of each are emphasized by contrast with those of the other

Protagonist - the central character, who is trying to accomplish something

Antagonist - the force opposing the protagonist

Three Principals of Convincing Characterization

1. A character must be consistent in his/her behavior unless there is a valid reason for change.

2. Characters must be clearly motivated: we must be able to understand the reasons for what they do.

3. Characters must be plausible or lifelike.

A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin