Characterization
Defintions
Explains the details of personality traits about a character in a story
Character Types
Direct/Indirect
Direct Characterization | Indirect Characterization |
The author/write tells the reader exactly what the character is like | Describe the character's appearance |
We, as readers, do not need to do any work in figuring out the characters’ traits | Tjrough characters dialogue |
| Through character thoughts and feelings |
| Description of character effects on others |
| Characters action |
| As readers, we infer traits of characters based on the information provided by the author |
Dynamic/Static
Dynamic Character | Static Character |
A character who changes during the course of the story | A character that remains primarily the same throughout the story |
The event of the story changes a character's personality and perceptions; these changes are usually permanent | Events in the story do not change the character's outlook, personality, habits, ot beliefs. |
The character learns and grows throughout the story | |
Note A character can not be both dynamic and static.
Flat characters | Round character |
A character that reveals one to two traits in the story that remain unchanged | A well-developed character who demonstrates carried traits and change in some way. |
Note A character can not be both flat and round.
Dynamic/Static
Foil Character | Stock Character |
A character that is used to enhance another character through contrast | A special type of flat character who is easily recognizable by readers |
| Not a focus of the story, nor developed throughout |
| “Stereotypical” character. |
Note A character can be both foil and stock.
Indirect characterization
S - speech
T -thoughts
E -effects
A - action
L - looks