Characterization Examples in Literature
Characterization has been extensively used in literature in both direct and indirect forms. Characters like static, round, dynamic, stalk and flat have been well exemplified by authors and poets in their literary works. The most common and easy to understand examples of characterization are explained in the next segment.
Direct Characterization Examples in Literature
Example 1: The novel, 'Of Mice and Men', written by John Steinbeck portrays, George Milton and Lennie Small, whose characters have been explained by direct reference. I have picked up a few extracts from this novel to explain the concept of direct characterization.
Lennie is big and dumb. His childlike innocence allows him to take an active role in George's dream of owning farm. Lennie loves soft things and animals, which he accidentally kills because of his strength. His size combined with his mental handicap frequently put him and George in difficult situations.
George is a small, quick-witted, migrant worker who travels with his friend Lennie. He speaks of how much better his life would be without Lennie, but only does so in anger. George represents the working man and his struggle to rise above his harsh circumstances. .
In this example, the character of Lennie is plainly described as dumb and innocent while George's character is very much in contrast to that of Lennie. The author calls George quick witted and hard working.
Example 2: The famous novel, 'To Kill a Mockingbird', written by Harper Lee, has a plethora of examples of direct characterization. In this line, Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom, the author defines the character of Boo Radley by calling him a malevolent phantom. If you read the complete novel, you shall find out many such hints that directly explains the attributes of the characters depicted in the novel.
Indirect Characterization Examples in Literature
Example 1: The story, 'The Gift of the Magi', written by O' Henry, he portrays Della and Jim, the couple completely in love with each other. He uses literary tactics to characterize both of them indirectly. Your concept will be clear from the following lines.
Della finished her cry and attended to her cheeks with the powder rag. She stood by the window and looked out dully at a grey cat walking a grey fence in a grey backyard. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars a week doesn't go far. Expenses had been greater than she had calculated. They always are. Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Something fine and rare and sterling—something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim.
In this paragraph Della's character is round and static. From this extract, you can easily figure out the characteristic traits of Della. She is an extremely loving wife, who tries to arrange for funds to present a wonderful gift to her husband. She is sympathetic, caring, loving and understanding towards her husband.
From: zle.com/articles/characterization-examples.html