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Characterization Notes

The document discusses different ways that writers can characterize characters in their writing. It defines characterization, character motivation, direct and indirect characterization, and notes on how writers can indirectly characterize characters through dialogue, appearance, behavior, and thoughts. It also distinguishes between static and dynamic characters and flat and round characters.

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letty
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71 views

Characterization Notes

The document discusses different ways that writers can characterize characters in their writing. It defines characterization, character motivation, direct and indirect characterization, and notes on how writers can indirectly characterize characters through dialogue, appearance, behavior, and thoughts. It also distinguishes between static and dynamic characters and flat and round characters.

Uploaded by

letty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Characterization

Definition: The way a


writer reveals a
character.
Character Motivation

 Definition: The reasons a character behaves


in a certain way.
 In Of Mice and Men, George comes off as
being very harsh toward Lennie. His
motivation is to protect Lennie and help them
achieve their dream.
Direct and Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization


 A writer TELLS readers  Reveals the character’s
what a character is like. personality in various
ways, by SHOWING
character traits.
Notes on Indirect Characterization

The writer shows a character’s personality:

 by what the character says


 in how the character looks (appearance)
 in the character’s thoughts and feelings
 by characters’ dialogue (between characters)
 in a character’s behavior.
Example of Direct Characterization
“Telling”
Which One? Indirect or Direct?

Telling or Showing….

see if you can guess…


Indirect or Direct
Indirect or Direct Characterization?

A.“That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch


his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine
performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern
electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing
manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a
hungry frog in a fly-field.”

B.Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep


explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The
old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all
he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
Static and Dynamic Characters

Static Characters Dynamic Characters


 Do not change much in  Change as a result of
the story. the story’s events.
Flat and Round Characters

 "Round" characters are  “Flat” characters are


characters that have a minor characters who do
lot of depth and detail not tend to change or
and their personalities grow very much.
can be easily described  Flat characters are
and pictured. usually supporting or
 Round characters are minor characters that just
almost always main add background and
characters. detail to the story.

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