Characterization Notes

Characterization

Character-ization Definition:

• How an author develops characters

• They do this by telling us directly or showing us indirectly

• Studying characterization gives a better understanding of the whole story

Direct Characterization

• The author tells you directly what the character is like

• They describe physical traits, clothing, and appearance

Indirect Characterization

• The author indirectly shares information about the character

• The audience must infer what the character is like based on the STEAL acronym

• What does the character say, think, feel, do, and show on their face?

Motivation

• What does the character want?

• This affects the character's thoughts, feelings, and actions

• It moves the plot forward

Types of Characters

Round Characters

• Well-developed

• The reader knows a lot about them

Flat Characters

• Minor characters (usually) who aren't well-developed

• The reader doesn't know much about them

Open Ended

What are your favorite examples of a Round AND Flat character?

Dynamic Characters

• A character who changes during the story

• Usually, they learn some kind of lesson or moral

Static Characters

• A character who stays the same during the story

• They do not learn a lesson, and sometimes even ignore it altogether

Open Ended

What are your favorite examples of a Dynamic AND Static character?