Title: Character
1Character
- Character
- A person, animal, or other such object
represented in a story.
2Characterization
- The methods used by the author to create or
reveal the characters in a story. - (Direct or Indirect)
-
3Direct Characterization
- The method of character development in which the
author simply tells you what the character is
like. - For example, Miss Alice was the nicest person
you would ever want to meet, is direct
characterization.
4Indirect Characterization
- The method of characterization that is most
similar to the way we learn about people in real
life. Using indirect characterization, the
author presents the characters personality
through what he/she says, his/her actions, or how
other characters relate to him/her. You must
then draw your own conclusions about the
character.
5Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?
- Read the following example of characterization.
Decide whether it is an example of direct or
indirect characterization. - (A) James was one of those people who was
constantly angry. He looked for trouble wherever
he went, and he usually found it.
6Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization?
- Stanleys eyes blazed as he surveyed the room.
The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly
southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he
stalked past her. - Look out for Stan, she whispered to Bart.
Hes in another one of his moods. Id stay far
away if I were you!
7Description A is an example of direct
characterization.
- The author comes right out and tells you that
James was always angry, and that he was looking
for a fight almost constantly.
8Description B is an example of indirect
characterization.
- We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth
and the way he walked that he is angry. We can
also see that others are somewhat frightened by
him by observing their reactions. Carol moves
aside and warns Bart to avoid Stanley.
9- Which method is more effective in developing the
character? Why do you think so?
10Methods of Characterizationcreating believable
characters
INDIRECT DIRECT
-physical appearance -the narrators direct comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters
11Types of Characters
12Major Character
- The major (main) character in a story is like the
star of a movie and is central to the action that
takes place. - Example Harry Potter and Percy Jackson
13Minor character
- A minor character is one who takes part in the
action but is not the focus of attention. - Examples Ron, Hermoine, and Luke
14Types of Characters
- The protagonist (or major/main character) is the
central figure in the work. - Harry Potter
- The antagonist is the character or force pitted
against the protagonist. - Voldemort
15More types of characters
- A Static Character
- Does not change through the course of the
action. - A Dynamic Character
- The one who does change in the story.
16Dont forget the Stock Character
- Stock Character
- A stereotype character that is one found again
and again in literary works. An example of a
stock character is that of the mad scientist that
appears over and over in different works such
as Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or Dr. Frankenstein.
17Round Character
- A round character is a complex, fully developed
character. - Example Edmund and Lucy
18Flat Character
- A flat character is a one-dimensional character,
typically not central to the story. - Example The Professor, Seamus Finnigan
19The protagonist is usually
- The central character
- A character the reader can identify with
- Has a rounded personality (we hear what they say,
what others say about them, we know what they
think and how they feel) - A character with a dynamic personality
20Secondary characters are usually
21Character Motivation
- A motive is a reason that explains or partially
explains a characters thoughts, feelings,
actions, or speech. If the motives of a main
character are not clear, then the character will
not be believable. - Characters are often motivated by needs, such as
food and shelter. They are also motivated by
feelings, such as fear, love, and pride. Motives
may be obvious or hidden.
22Character Motivation
- There are two types of character motivation
- Intrinsic Motivated to do something by internal
factors. - Examples
- I want approval from parents/friends
- I want to feel good about myself
- I want to be a better person
- I want to fulfill personal satisfaction
-
23Character Motivation
- Extrinsic Motivated by external factors.
- Example
- I want some chocolate
- I want to earn money
- I want good presents from Santa Claus
24Characters Qualities or Traits
- Character Traits
- The personal traits that make up the characters
personality. - Example Funny, Intense, Sly, Greedy, etc.
25Dialogue
- Dialogue A conversation between two or more
people. Dialogue is usually set off by quotation
marks to indicate a speakers exact words. -