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Understanding Characterization Methods

The document outlines the concept of characterization in literature, detailing two types: direct and indirect. It describes four methods of characterization, the roles of main and minor characters, and defines key terms such as protagonist, antagonist, dynamic, and static characters. Additionally, it explains the narrator's role and different points of view in storytelling.

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Yousha Dahdahi
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33 views7 pages

Understanding Characterization Methods

The document outlines the concept of characterization in literature, detailing two types: direct and indirect. It describes four methods of characterization, the roles of main and minor characters, and defines key terms such as protagonist, antagonist, dynamic, and static characters. Additionally, it explains the narrator's role and different points of view in storytelling.

Uploaded by

Yousha Dahdahi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Characterization

the way a writer creates and develops


characters
Two types of characterization:
Two types: Direct- tell you their
qualities Indirect- author shows you
through their actions, thoughts,
words and reactions
4 methods of characterization:
The writer may make direct comments about a
character through the voice of the narrator
(Direct)
The writer may describe the character’s
physical appearance (Direct)
The writer may present the character’s own
thoughts, speech or actions (Indirect)
The writer may present thoughts, speech and
actions of other characters (Indirect)
Characters- imaginary people, animals or
other beings that take part in the action.
Character Traits- qualities shown by the
characters.
Character Motivation: reasons behind a
character’s actions
Main Character-the most important
characters in literary works Short stories
usually have one, novels may have several
Minor Character- less important characters in a
literary work. The story is not centered on
them but they help carry out the action in the
story
Protagonist- the main character in a story, play
or novel
Antagonist- a force working against the
protagonist in a story, play or novel. The
antagonist is usually another character but
can be a force of nature, society or an internal
force within the main character
Dynamic Character: one whom undergoes a
change as the plot unfolds; these changes
occur because of the character’s actions
and experiences in the story. Changes can
be good or bad and are usually internal.
Main characters are often dynamic
Static Character: one who remains the same
throughout the story, The character may
experience events and interact with other
characters but they are not changed
because of them.
Foil- a character who provides striking
contrast to another character
Author’s use foil to call attention to certain
traits in the main character or to enhance
the character by contrast
Hero- the main character or protagonist. In
older literature the hero tends to be better
than an ordinary human; they protect
society and are typically courageous,
strong, honorable and intelligent. In
modern literature, heroes can simply be an
ordinary person with ordinary problems
Narrator- the voice that tells a story.
Point of View- the method of narration used in a
short story, narrative poem, or work of nonfiction
1st person- the narrator is a character in the story
uses me, my, I words
3rd person- the narrator’s voice is outside the
action, not one of the characters
Limited 3rd person- the narrator, who is outside the
action, knows the thoughts, feelings and
observations of only one character
Omniscient 3rd person- the all knowing point of
view-the narrator can see into the minds of all
characters

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