Characterization, Setting and POV

Using text and inference to establish place and time and increase understanding

Character vs. Characterization

Character is someone or something involved in the main elements of the story and can offer action or insight into the events of the story

Characterization is how the character is portrayed. Thoughts, actions, how other characters think of

or respond

Types of Characterization

Direct Author uses cues to supply the

reader with a specific picture of the character (moral representation) of a character (Character’s character)

Example: Some versions of Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death he specifically states Prince Prospero is a devil or Satan worshipper; Maupassant specifically said Mme. Loisel was selfish and self-centered.

Indirect Author allows the reader

to experience the events of the story and draw their own conclusions of a Character’s character

Example: No explanation is offered except for dialogue between two characters; a character is portrayed as pushing another down in the hallway

Flat vs. RoundFlat

One dimensional Character is limited See one side or

characteristic of the character

Probably will not change over the course of the story/novel

Round Three dimensional Character is a complete

pictured and as complicated as you and me

Identify with the character Enough information to

determine flaws or virtues

http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Round+and+Flat+Characters

Static vs. DynamicStatic

Stays the same Limited portrayal in story

and does not allow for change or growth

Uninteresting and serve a specific purpose related to the plot and main character(s)

Dynamic Changes as a result of the

events in the story Portrayed early in one way

and develops over the time the story covers and as a result of events in the plot

Typically the main character(s) and changes are clearly explained

http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Static+and+Dynamic+Characters

Effects of Characterization

Direct Reader is told how to think

or feel No need for interpretation May allow for character

change; may be a steadfast character

Few differences in how the character is interpreted

Indirect Reader can draw their own

conclusions Reader uses own moral

compass to determine the character of a character

Characterization is arguable with supporting evidence

Why does it matter? Knowing the characters:

Draws the reader in deeper Generates emotional connections and invests

the reader Builds understanding and can be an author’s

bread and butter Deepens the effects of POV Can push the reader to examine or redefine their

own beliefs or values

Setting More than place and time

Location and date can be important, but it needs to go beyond

Many effective stories are not set on a specific date in one singular location (A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away; Harry Potter has no specific dates and jumps locations several times per book)

Beyond Place and Time

Authors create more rich settings by: Using sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste,

and smell) Make allusions and ties to familiar while also

creating rich and vivid details Draw on realistic or common locations, but offer

details from the perspective of the character(s) Focus as much development on the setting as

the characters

Setting As Character Can setting be a character? What value does setting offer that can give it a

life of its own and be considered a character? How can setting evolve throughout a storyline

in similar patterns as characters?

Effect of Setting Gives the reader a fully developed image of the

characters’ environment

DIRECTLY influences the characters’ actions and can play a role in the development of plot points

Without setting there is little frame of reference for the reader and leaves the story feeling incomplete (reader’s mind wonders)

Point of View Four types:

1st person 2nd person 3rd person limited 3rd person omniscient

1st Person I, me, my statements Only get the opinion of the character or those

trusted by the character Narrator is typically the round, dynamic

character Bias Limits feelings about other characters and

forces many of them into flat, static territory

2nd Person You, your statements Forces the reader to actively participate in the

story/novel and relies on the readers instincts or thoughts

Events presented that readers are unfamiliar with will leave them confused or disinterested

Difficult perspective to write from Most popular/common occurrence is in Choose

Your Own Adventure stories

3rd Person Limited He, She, him, her, his, they, them statements Narrator is NOT involved in the events of the

story Can be told from another place and time Does not offer insight into ALL characters

thoughts or feelings May follow one character intensively while

mentioning others at times to further the plot (Harry Potter)

3rd Person Omniscient He, she, him, her, his, they, them statements Narrator is NOT involved in the story No sense of time and place beyond the

character’s Offers information into the thoughts, feelings

and experiences of ALL main characters, but frequently focuses on a singular character the other’s orbit OR jumps between characters through organized chapters or textual cues

Effects of POV POV can leave the reader predisposed to the

author’s opinion Allows the author to participate in direct or

indirect characterization to advance the plot Consider Twilight, Harry Potter, The Hunger

Games

Elements Together Characters are affected by the setting Reader’s interpretations are affected by the

type characterizations provided Setting details can be determined by the POV

of the work (1st person will set a limited setting, 3rd person will create a rich and full picture)

Setting can be a factor in the characterization (Harry Potter)

Where we will begin Characterization Assignment:

Watch or refer to one television show or movie and determine the type of character the main characters are. Provide evidence to support your assertion. Use the graph provided.