Characterization
Definition: The way a
writer reveals a
character.
Character Motivation
Definition: The reasons a character behaves
in a certain way.
In Of Mice and Men, George comes off as
being very harsh toward Lennie. His
motivation is to protect Lennie and help them
achieve their dream.
Direct and Indirect Characterization
Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization
A writer TELLS readers Reveals the character’s
what a character is like. personality in various
ways, by SHOWING
character traits.
Notes on Indirect Characterization
The writer shows a character’s personality:
by what the character says
in how the character looks (appearance)
in the character’s thoughts and feelings
by characters’ dialogue (between characters)
in a character’s behavior.
Example of Direct Characterization
“Telling”
Which One? Indirect or Direct?
Telling or Showing….
see if you can guess…
Indirect or Direct
Indirect or Direct Characterization?
A.“That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch
his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine
performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern
electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing
manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a
hungry frog in a fly-field.”
[Link] Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep
explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The
old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all
he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
Static and Dynamic Characters
Static Characters Dynamic Characters
Do not change much in Change as a result of
the story. the story’s events.
Flat and Round Characters
"Round" characters are “Flat” characters are
characters that have a minor characters who do
lot of depth and detail not tend to change or
and their personalities grow very much.
can be easily described Flat characters are
and pictured. usually supporting or
Round characters are minor characters that just
almost always main add background and
characters. detail to the story.
