Characterization Terminology

1. The 'good guy'; The central and MAJOR character in a narrative or drama,-usually the one the reader/audience becomes connected to

• static character

• dynamic character

• protagonist

• antagonist

2. The 'bad guy' or force. The principal character in opposition to the protagonist. Sometimes, not a person, but an obstacle such as a force of nature, society or inner conflict; most often a MAJOR character

• static character

• dynamic character

• protagonist

• antagonist

3. What is it called when a writer TELLS what a character is like? (gives personality traits and other information about the characters)

• static character

• dynamic character

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

4. What is it called when a writer SHOWS what a character is like by describing what the character says, and does (dialogue and action of the character)? The reader has to make inferences about the personality traits of the characters.

• static character

• dynamic character

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

5. A character that DOES NOT CHANGE is called a _________________. (example: The Giving Tree)

• static character

• dynamic character

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

6. A character that CHANGES in a piece of literature is called a _________________. The character usually experiences some sort of 'growth'. (example: The Rainbow Fish)

• static character

• dynamic character

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

7. What is the name of a character who is NOT fully developed in a story and is often one-sided and stereotypical? (example: a mother who worries and is strict)

• static character

• dynamic character

• flat character

• round character

8. What is the name of a fully developed character? The author provides a lot of information about the character and he/she exhibits many qualities and personality traits throughout the story.

• static character

• dynamic character

• flat character

• round character