What is Characterisation in Narrative Writing?

Characterisation is the process by which an author conveys information about characters

in a story. This includes their personality, appearance, emotions, motivations, and
relationships with other characters. It helps readers connect with and understand the
characters, making the story more engaging and believable.

Characterisation can be achieved in two main ways:

1. Direct Characterisation: The author explicitly describes the character’s traits (e.g.,
"She was a kind and patient woman").

2. Indirect Characterisation: The author reveals the character through their actions,
dialogue, thoughts, interactions with others, and how they are perceived by other
characters.

How to Develop Characters in Narrative Writing

Here are some strategies to effectively develop characters:

1. Understand Your Characters

• Create a character profile that includes details such as their name, age, physical
description, background, goals, fears, and personality traits.

• Think about their motivations: What do they want, and why? What drives their
actions?

2. Show, Don’t Tell

• Use indirect characterisation to let readers infer traits. For example, instead of
saying "He was brave," show him stepping up to confront a dangerous situation.

3. Give Characters Depth

• Ensure they have strengths and flaws. Well-rounded characters are relatable and
memorable.

• Let them grow throughout the story. They should face challenges and evolve as a
result.

4. Use Dialogue Effectively

• Develop unique speech patterns or habits for each character.

• Reveal their personality and emotions through what they say and how they say it.
5. Focus on Relationships

• Show how characters interact with one another to reveal their traits and dynamics.

• Use conflicts and alliances to drive the story and character development.

6. Create a Backstory

• Even if you don’t share all the details, knowing a character’s past helps you write
them consistently and authentically.

7. Add Small, Memorable Details

• Quirks, habits, or preferences make characters feel real. For example, a character
who always taps their pen when nervous.

8. Put Them in Challenging Situations

• See how they respond under pressure. These moments reveal their true nature and
make them dynamic.

How to Use Direct Characterisation Effectively

1. Be Clear and Concise

o Provide straightforward descriptions that establish a character's key traits

quickly. For example:

▪ "John was a reserved man who rarely spoke in social settings."

▪ "Maya was a talented painter, known for her vivid imagination."

2. Introduce Important Traits Early

o Use direct characterisation early in the story to help readers form an initial
impression of the character.

▪ Example: "Sophie had a fiery temper that often got her into trouble,
but her kindness always shone through afterward."

3. Balance Descriptions with the Story's Flow

o Avoid overloading readers with too many traits at once. Spread descriptions
naturally through the narrative.
 ▪ Example: "Liam’s sharp wit made him the center of attention at every
party, though his sarcasm sometimes stung."

4. Focus on Key Traits

o Highlight traits that are most relevant to the story. For minor characters, a
brief description suffices, while main characters can be more detailed.

▪ Example: "The librarian, a stern woman with piercing eyes, ran the
quietest library in the city."

5. Combine Physical and Personality Details

o Paint a fuller picture by integrating physical descriptions with personality

traits.

▪ Example: "With his unruly hair and carefree grin, Sam seemed to
exude an endless sense of adventure."

6. Use Comparisons or Analogies

o Enhance descriptions by relating a character to something familiar.

▪ Example: "She was as meticulous as a watchmaker, always ensuring

every detail was perfect."

Personality Traits
Positive Traits Negative Traits
• Kind • Arrogant
• Generous • Selfish
• Honest • Stubborn
• Brave • Lazy
• Loyal • Impulsive
• Optimistic • Jealous
• Friendly • Cruel
• Intelligent • Cowardly
• Hardworking • Manipulative
• Confident • Pessimistic
• Compassionate • Distrustful
• Resourceful • Insecure
• Determined • Vain
• Humorous • Greedy
• Wise • Cynical
 • Warm
Physical Descriptions • Cold
General Appearance • Narrow
• Tall • Wide
• Short • Expressive
• Slender • Empty
• Stout • Sharp
• Graceful • Dreamy
• Awkward
• Rugged Behavior and Habits
• Lanky • Thoughtful
• Well-built • Reckless
• Petite • Outspoken
Facial Features • Reserved
• Round-faced • Cheerful
• Sharp-featured • Grumpy
• Freckled • Meticulous
• Wrinkled • Carefree
• Pale • Energetic
• Tanned • Moody
• Rosy-cheeked • Quiet
• Stern • Talkative
• Bright-eyed • Suspicious
• Squinty • Polite
Hair • Rude
• Curly
• Wavy
• Straight
• Balding
• Messy
• Sleek
• Shiny
• Unkempt
• Dyed
• Greying
Eyes
• Piercing
• Gentle
How to Develop Indirect Characterisation

1. Show Traits Through Actions

• Characters’ behaviors reveal their personality.

o Example: Instead of saying "Sarah was brave," show her volunteering to enter
a burning building to save a child.

2. Use Dialogue

• A character’s choice of words, tone, and speech patterns can reveal their
personality and mood.

o Example:

▪ Confident character: "Relax, I’ve got this. Trust me."

▪ Nervous character: "Uh, I think this might work… maybe."

3. Reveal Thoughts and Feelings

• Internal monologue can offer insight into a character's mindset and emotions.

o Example: "As the crowd cheered, Mia fought to keep her hands from
trembling. I can do this. Just breathe, she told herself."

4. Show Relationships and Interactions

• How a character treats others (and how they are treated) can hint at their
personality.

o Example: "James always remembered his coworkers’ birthdays, surprising

them with thoughtful gifts."

5. Describe Appearance and Body Language

• Subtle details can provide clues about a character’s personality or state of mind.

o Example: "Anna’s neatly pressed suit and polished shoes hinted at her
meticulous nature."

o "Tom shifted from foot to foot, avoiding eye contact as he stammered a

response."

6. Use Reactions to Challenges

• A character’s response to adversity shows their resilience, fears, or priorities.

 o Example: "Despite the storm raging around her, Clara tightened her grip on
the wheel, refusing to give up."

7. Symbolism and Environment

• A character’s possessions or surroundings can reflect their personality.

o Example: "Jack’s room was cluttered with half-finished projects and

scribbled notes, a testament to his creative but chaotic mind."

Use Movement to Build the Scene

• Describe a character’s actions to set the stage or convey what’s happening in the
environment.

• Example:
"Ana adjusted her scarf as she stepped onto the icy sidewalk, her boots crunching
against the frozen snow."

Setting the Tone or Atmosphere

• Example 1:
The wind howled through the empty street, bending the lampposts as they flickered
erratically. Her footsteps echoed, the only sound breaking the silence of the
desolate alley.

o (Creates an eerie, lonely atmosphere through the character’s movement and

the surroundings.)

• Example 2:
The sun dipped low, casting long shadows on the ground as children ran, laughing,
through the park, their bare feet kicking up dust in the warm, golden light.

o (Conveys a peaceful, nostalgic tone.)

Revealing Character's Emotions

• Example 3:
Her fingers trembled as she slowly turned the doorknob, each movement deliberate,
as though her body was at war with her mind.

o (Shows anxiety or hesitation.)

 • Example 4:
He raced through the hallway, barely noticing the blurs of doors and windows
around him, his heart thumping faster with each step as panic seized his chest.

o (Indicates fear or urgency.)

Building Suspense

• Example 5:
She crept forward, her bare feet making no sound on the cold tile. Each step was
measured, her breath shallow, as though the slightest noise could give her away.

o (Creates suspense and tension in a quiet, potentially dangerous situation.)

• Example 6:
The door creaked open slowly, his hand trembling as he pushed it further, each inch
feeling like an eternity. His gaze darted around, waiting for something—anything—to
happen.

o (Builds suspense in a tense moment of discovery.)

Emphasizing the Setting

• Example 7:
The boat rocked gently as they paddled downstream, the rhythmic movement of the
oars in sync with the flow of the water, while birds soared overhead, their wings
slicing through the still morning air.

o (Describes the environment using the character's movement in nature.)

• Example 8:
The snow crunched beneath his boots as he trudged through the thick forest, the
trees towering over him like silent sentinels, their branches creaking in the biting
wind.

o (Uses movement to reveal the harshness of the environment.)

Creating a Sense of Time or Passage

• Example 9:
She walked down the street, pausing occasionally to glance at the faded storefronts,
the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement as the city slowly
came to life around her.

o (Suggests the passage of time, from quiet to bustling.)

 • Example 10:
He moved through the crowd with purpose, brushing past the throngs of people who
lingered, unaware of his destination. Time seemed to stand still as his pace
quickened, the sound of the city growing louder around him.

o (Highlights the passing of time and the contrast of individual vs. collective
movement.)

Revealing Character's Physical State

• Example 11:
His legs ached with every step, the weight of his backpack pulling him down, but he
pushed forward, determined to reach the summit before nightfall.

o (Shows physical exhaustion and determination through movement.)

• Example 12:
Her arms hung limply at her sides as she shuffled toward the door, each step heavier
than the last, as though the weight of her thoughts was holding her in place.

o (Indicates emotional exhaustion through physical movement.)

Indicating Relationships or Dynamics

• Example 13:
They walked side by side, their movements perfectly in sync, never needing to speak
as they navigated the familiar paths of the old neighborhood.

o (Shows harmony and a close relationship through their coordinated

movement.)

• Example 14:
He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him, his footsteps loud and
angry, while she remained seated, her hands clenched into fists, unmoving.

o (Demonstrates tension or conflict through contrasting movements.)

Expressing Purpose or Conflict

• Example 15:
With a swift, determined movement, she pushed open the heavy door, stepping into
the room with a look of resolve, as though the decision had already been made.

o (Conveys determination and purpose in action.)

 • Example 16:
His hands shook as he fumbled with the keys, his movements erratic, every second
stretching longer as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder.

o (Shows conflict and urgency through uncoordinated, stressed movements.)

Match Actions to Emotions

• Example 1:
"I’m almost done!" Ana shouted, quickly throwing on her dress, her hands trembling
as she pulled it over her head.

o (The action of throwing on the dress shows urgency, while the trembling
hands add emotional context to the dialogue, showing Ana's nervousness or
stress.)

Use Action to Convey Tension or Conflict

• Example 2:
"I told you to leave!" Carlos yelled, slamming the door behind him with such force
that the walls shook. His fists clenched at his sides as he turned away.

o (The strong action of slamming the door and clenching fists emphasizes the
intensity and frustration of the moment.)

Show Physical Reactions to Dialogue

• Example 3:
"That’s not fair," Liam muttered, his shoulders slumping as he stared down at his
feet, unable to meet her eyes.

o (The action of slumping and avoiding eye contact helps reveal Liam’s feelings
of disappointment or guilt.)

Enhance Dialogue with Gestures

• Example 4:
"Stop it!" Sofia cried, waving her arms in the air in exasperation, her face flushed with
anger.

o (The physical gesture of waving arms and flushed face intensifies Sofia’s
emotional state and complements the urgency in her voice.)
Use Action to Show the Pace or Rhythm of the Scene

• Example 5:
"I’m late!" Michael muttered, pulling his jacket on while stumbling toward the door,
tripping over his shoes.

o (The action of stumbling and rushing shows Michael’s haste and the chaotic
pace of the scene.)

Create Contrast Between Dialogue and Action

• Example 6:
"I’m totally fine," Rachel said with a forced smile, adjusting the hem of her blouse as
her hands shook slightly.

o (The contrast between her words and her actions (shaking hands) indicates
that she’s not fine, suggesting tension or concealment.)

Reveal a Character’s State of Mind Through Actions

• Example 7:
"I don’t want to hear it," Jake grumbled, kicking a stone across the street with
frustration, his face set in a hard line.

o (The physical action of kicking a stone and his facial expression reflect Jake’s
anger and unwillingness to engage.)

Combine Multiple Actions for Effect

• Example 8:
"Give it back!" Emma shouted, grabbing for the notebook, but he pulled it just out of
her reach, smirking as she lunged again.

o (The actions of grabbing and lunging enhance the tension between the
characters and the conflict.)
Common Speech Verbs: 3. Proclaimed
1. Said 4. Threatened
2. Asked 5. Bellowed
3. Told 6. Taunted
4. Replied 7. Scoffed
5. Answered 8. Demanded
6. Shouted 9. Commanded
7. Whispered 10. Challenged
8. Yelled 11. Rebuked
9. Murmured 12. Admonished
10. Exclaimed 13. Raged
11. Stated 14. Exhort
12. Commented 15. Asserted
13. Declared
14. Added Verbs for Quiet or Subtle Speech:
15. Barked 1. Whispered
2. Murmured
Speech Verbs for Emotional Tone or 3. Breathed
Intensity: 4. Muttered
1. Grumbled 5. Mumbled
2. Snapped 6. Purred
3. Laughed 7. Coaxed
4. Cried 8. Meandered
5. Sighed 9. Hummed
6. Moaned 10. Lisped
7. Sneered 11. Trilled
8. Groaned 12. Sighed
9. Whined 13. Purred
10. Screamed 14. Mused
11. Hissed 15. Grinned
12. Begged
13. Panted Verbs for Thoughtful or Reflective Speech:
14. Chortled 1. Pondered
15. Gasped 2. Contemplated
3. Wondered
Verbs for Dialogue with Attitude or Force: 4. Suggested
1. Snorted 5. Considered
2. Roared 6. Proposed
 7. Remarked 9. Chuckled
8. Suggested 10. Cajoled
9. Reckoned
10. Inquired

Verbs for Hesitant or Uncertain Speech:

1. Stammered
2. Hesitated
3. Stuttered
4. Faltered
5. Paused
6. Tripped over words
7. Fumbled
8. Wavered
9. Mumbled
10. Evasive

Verbs for Aggressive or Hostile Speech:

1. Snarled
2. Snapped
3. Spat
4. Shouted
5. Yelled
6. Roared
7. Raged
8. Ranted
9. Bellowed
10. Fumed

Verbs for Playful or Fun Speech:

1. Teased
2. Joked
3. Chided
4. Giggled
5. Wagged
6. Laughed
7. Grinned
8. Beamed
• Grumbled
"This is so unfair," Tom grumbled, kicking the gravel at his feet.

• Snapped
"Stop asking me that!" she snapped, throwing her hands up in frustration.

• Laughed
"That’s hilarious!" he laughed, slapping his knee.

• Cried
"I can’t do this anymore," she cried, tears streaming down her face.

• Sighed
"I can’t believe this is happening," Rachel sighed, sinking into the chair.

• Roared
"Get out of here!" he roared, his voice booming across the room.

• Proclaimed
"I will not tolerate this behavior!" she proclaimed, her voice strong and steady.

• Commanded
"Move out of the way," he commanded, pointing towards the exit.

• Bellowed
"Enough of this nonsense!" the teacher bellowed, his face red with anger.

• Demanded
"Give me the answers now," she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

• Teased
"Oh, come on, you’re not that bad," she teased, nudging him playfully.

• Joked
"You’re going to eat all that?" he joked, grinning.

• Laughed
"You actually believed that?" he laughed, slapping his friend on the back.

• Grinned
"I told you I could do it," she grinned, hands on her hips.

• Chuckled
"I think you might be right," he chuckled, shaking his head.