Character Analysis VOCABULARY Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering STEAL, characterization, and related terms from the notes.

Character

The people, animals, or beings who take part in a story's events.

Characterization

The process by which an author reveals a character's personality, traits, and depth.

STEAL method

Five-element framework for indirect characterization: Speech, Thoughts, Effects on others, Actions, Looks.

Direct characterization

The author directly tells the audience about a character's personality, appearance, or thoughts.

Indirect characterization

Traits are revealed through a character's behavior, speech, thoughts, effects on others, and actions.

Speech

What a character says, including word choice and tone, revealing personality.

Thoughts

A character's private thoughts and feelings that reveal motives and inner conflicts.

Effect on others

How other characters react to or are influenced by the character.

Actions

What a character does, showing values and personality.

Looks

A character's appearance, dress, body language, and facial expressions.

Protagonist

The central character around whom the story revolves; often the hero.

Antagonist

The character or force opposing the protagonist and creating conflict.

Round character

A well-developed, complex character with a variety of traits and motivations.

Flat character

A relatively simple character with limited traits and depth.

Static character

A character who remains largely unchanged throughout the story.

Dynamic character

A character who undergoes significant development or change.

Stock character

A familiar stereotype used to fulfill a conventional role in a story.

Archetype

A universal character type that recurs across literature and storytelling.

Motivation

The underlying reason for a character's actions and decisions.

Development

The process by which a character grows and changes over the course of a story.