Direct: a Writer States the Character S Traits Or Characteristics

Characterization

Definition: the act of creating and developing a character. Authors use two major methods of characterization—direct and indirect.

Direct: a writer states the character’s traits or characteristics

Example: Laurie is a small girl with curly blond hair and lots of freckles.

Indirect: a writer depends on the reader to draw conclusions about the character’s traits. Look at:  character’s words  character’s actions/behavior  character’s thoughts  what others say about the character

Example: Anita thought that she could win the race if she really tried hard and practiced on a daily basis. Her friends always said Anita was a confident and hardworking person.

Characters: a person or an animal that takes part in the action of a literary work.

 Main character: most important character in the story, poem, or play.

 Minor character: one who takes part in the action but is not the focus of attention.

Protagonist: the main character in a work, who may be male or female, heroic or not heroic.

Antagonist: a neutral term for a character who opposes the leading male or female character.

Types of Characters

1. Flat character: is one-sided and often stereotypical 2. Round character: is fully developed and exhibits many traits—often good and bad 3. Dynamic character: one who changes or grows during the course of a story 4. Static character: one who does not change at all during the story