Characterization Vocabulary

Define characterization.

• the methods used by an author to portray a character

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• the characters central to the story

• characters necessary to the story but who play a smaller role

_____________ is when a writer reveals traits of a character in a straightforward manner, or through comments made by another character involved with him in the storyline.

• Round Characterization

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

• Flat Characterization

_____________ is when the reader has to deduce for themselves the characteristics of the character by observing his/her thought process, behavior, speech, way of talking, appearance, and manner of communication with other characters, as well as by discerning the response of other characters.

• Static Characterization

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

• Flat Characterization

Define a dynamic character.

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• someone for whom we see different sides to their personality. They are fully developed by the author

• someone for whom we only see one side to their personality. They are not developed fully by the author.

Define a static character.

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• someone for whom we see different sides to their personality. They are fully developed by the author

• one whose personality doesn't change throughout the events in the story's plot.

Define a flat character.

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• someone for whom we see different sides to their personality. They are fully developed by the author

• someone for whom we only see one side to their personality. They are not developed fully by the author.

Define a round character.

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• someone for whom we see different sides to their personality. They are fully developed by the author

• characters necessary to the story but who play a smaller role

Define a major character.

• someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of the action in the plot

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• the characters central to the story

• someone for whom we only see one side to their personality. They are not developed fully by the author.

Define a minor character.

• characters necessary to the story but who play a smaller role.

• method of describing a character using direct statements

• the characters central to the story

• someone for whom we only see one side to their personality. They are not developed fully by the author.

Define character motivation.

• the reason behind a character's behaviors and actions in a given scene or throughout a story

• the reason behind a character’s behaviors and actions in a given scene or throughout a story

• the characters central to the story

• characters necessary to the story but who play a smaller role