CharacterizationCharacterization

What are character traitsWhat are character traits

A character trait is any piece of information A character trait is any piece of information that helps us better “know” the characterthat helps us better “know” the character

Character traits can include:Character traits can include: AppearanceAppearance SayingsSayings ThoughtsThoughts Likes/ DislikesLikes/ Dislikes Speech PatternsSpeech Patterns

Types of CharactersTypes of Characters

Main character : ProtagonistMain character : Protagonist

Antagonist: conflicts with Antagonist: conflicts with ProtagonistProtagonist

Round : has contradictory traitsRound : has contradictory traits

Flat: only reveals one personality Flat: only reveals one personality traittrait

Types of Characters cont.Types of Characters cont.

Stereotype: familiar or often repeated Stereotype: familiar or often repeated character character

Dynamic: Changes throughout storyDynamic: Changes throughout story

Static: Remains the same.Static: Remains the same.

CharacterizationCharacterization

How characters reveal themselves is called How characters reveal themselves is called CharacterizationCharacterization

Direct characterization: the writer makes direct Direct characterization: the writer makes direct statements about the character’s personalitystatements about the character’s personality

Indirect characterization: the writer reveals Indirect characterization: the writer reveals character’s personality through words actions character’s personality through words actions and other character’s thoughts about the and other character’s thoughts about the charactercharacter

ReviewReview

She had a gloomy attitude. She never She had a gloomy attitude. She never smiled and her outlook on life was smiled and her outlook on life was depressing. depressing.

Is this indirect or direct characterizationIs this indirect or direct characterization

Answer: directAnswer: direct

ReviewReview

A character that changes their outlook as A character that changes their outlook as a result of learning a life lesson is static or a result of learning a life lesson is static or dynamic?dynamic?

Answer: DynamicAnswer: Dynamic

ReviewReview

A character that hates tomatoes but loves A character that hates tomatoes but loves ketchup is flat or round?ketchup is flat or round?

Answer: RoundAnswer: Round