Characterization in Writing

Characterization

When you think about some of your favorite movies, TV Shows, or books, you are probably drawn to the characters in those texts. Even though we know that they are fictional inventions of an author or filmmaker, the characters that we connect with the most feel very real to us.

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​Character

Simply put, a character is a figure in a literary work, and characterization refers to the methods an author uses to create the characters.

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​Character

The methods writers use to develop characters can generally be broken down into 2 categories: direct characterization and indirect characterization.

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​Character Development

Direct Characterization: the writer tells us what a character is like including how a character looks or acts.

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​Character Development

Multiple Choice

He wore dark clothing and rubber sandals and a gray ammunition belt. His shoulders were slightly stooped, his head cocked to the side as if listening for something. He seemed at ease. He carried his weapon in one hand, muzzle down, moving without any hurry up the center of the trail.

What statement best reflects the characterization of the character?

• Violent

• Angry

• Anxious

• At ease

Indirect Characterization: the author builds our understanding of a character through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, or what others say about the character.

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Character Development

Multiple Choice

When she was nine, my daughter Kathleen asked if I had ever killed anyone. She knew about the war; she knew I'd been a soldier. "You keep writing war stories," she said, "so I guess you must've killed somebody." It was a difficult moment, but I did what seemed right, which was to say, "Of course not," and then to take her onto my lap and hold her for a while. Someday, I hope, she'll ask again.

What is the best way to describe how the character feels here without a direct reference?

• Clever

• Guilty

• Innocent

• Polite

So let's Try it Out!