More Characterization

Short story elements with a focus on characterization

ELA 9

Multiple Choice

This type of characterization tells the reader the qualities of a character by directly stating them

• indirect characterization

• direct characterization

Multiple Choice

This type of characterization requires the reader to infer meaning based on what the character says, does, or thinks. It can also be inferred from what other characters say.

• indirect characterization

• direct characterization

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

• “Bill sighed as he looked at the offer of a gym membership. He really should join. But just thinking about it made beads of sweat collect at the top of his bald spot.”

• “Bill was short and fat, and his bald spot was widening with every passing year.”

Static character

• remains the same throughout the text despite events that occur

• Character's physical traits may change drastically, but the personality remains the same. 

• Sherlock Holmes is one of the most prominent static characters in literature. He maintains his wit, confidence and quirky personality while dealing with adventures and compelling cases.

Dynamic character

• grows or changes during the course of the text.

• The character traits change, not just the physical traits.

• Dynamic characters are often easier to spot than static ones.

• A clear example of a dynamic character is Gru in Despicable Me because he changes from a villain who wants to take over the world to a loving father.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a static character?

• Scar from The Lion King

• Harry Potter

• Simba from The Lion King

• Scrooge

Flat character

• A character who is minor in a work of fiction and is not “developed” by the author.

• Usually these characters are static and undergo no significant changes.

• These characters play a supporting role to the main character who is usually a round character.

Round character

• A character who is major in a work of fiction and who encounters conflict and is changed by it.

• They are more developed (you have more information about them) than the flat or static characters that surround them.

• They are fully developed and show complex traits, like real people.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would NOT be considered a round character?

• Katniss from Hunger Games

• The sea turtle Crush from Finding Nemo

• Nemo from Finding Nemo

• The Beast from Beauty and the Beast

Foil character

• A foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character.

• The objective is to highlight the traits of the other character.

•  Foil characters are great at pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of their counterpart’s personality and motivations. 

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter

• Draco Malfoy works as a direct contrast to Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series. On the surface they are both young boys attending Hogwarts.

• One is a Slytherin, and the other a Gryffindor.

• Draco becomes a Death Eater. Harry, on the other hand, works to defeat the Death Eaters.

• Harry has deep relationships with Hermione and Ron. Draco’s friends, Crabbe and Goyle, are more lackeys than true friends. 

Multiple Choice

What is a foil character?

• The central character.

• The character that opposes the central character.

• A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight qualities of the other character

Multiple Choice

This type of character has a lot of emotions, beliefs, ideals, concerns, and thoughts.

• Flat Character

• Round character

• Foil character

Multiple Choice

In this story, the bus driver’s name is Al. The reader knows his name, and that he drives the bus every day. Al doesn’t participate in the plot other than driving the bus. Al is likely a _________________ character.

• Flat

• Round

• Dynamic

• foil

Multiple Choice

A well developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits

• flat

• round

• protagonist

• antagonist

Multiple Choice

a character who does change / does develop

• protagonist

• antagonist

• static

• dynamic

Multiple Choice

a character who stays the same over time

• protagonist

• antagonist

• static

• dynamic

As you watch the short film Hair Love,

• pay attention to the characters' behaviors and reactions to others

• determine if the characters are static, dynamic, flat, or round

• think about a possible theme for the story

Describe Zuri.

Is she a static or dynamic character? Why do you think this?

Is she a flat or round character? Why do you think this?

Describe Zuri's father.

Is he a static or dynamic character? Why do you think this?

Is he a flat or round character? Why do you think this?

Open Ended

What is a possible theme for this film?