Characterization
Character – someone or something whose actions, choices, thoughts, ideas, words and influence are important in developing the plot of a story. Characters are often people, but also include other living creatures and sometimes even non-living things. A force, such as good or evil, can operate as a character in story.
Protagonist – a single character or small group of characters whose goal or problem is the focus of the plot. Sometimes but not always considered a “hero”.
Antagonist – the character, group or force that tries to keep the protagonist from reaching their goal.
Characterization – name for the technique a writer uses to reveal the personality of characters to the reader.
Characterization can be direct or indirect.
- Direct: when the author tells us directly something about a character
- Indirect: we make inferences about the character from what they do, what they say and how they interact with other characters.
Characterization can be achieved through:
- Words: what the character says about themselves and other characters
- Thoughts: what’s going on in the character’s mind, the characters motives and choices
- Appearance: the characters physical characteristics and clothing
- Actions: what the character does
- Interactions: how the character relates to others
- Names: can be symbolic
- Setting: the items, furnishing, etc that the character chooses to surround him or herself with
- Change/ Development: how a character changes or develops throughout the novel
Text: Hunter In the Darkby: Monica Hughes
1. Complete the chart by identifying a personality trait for Mikein the first column. In the second column, write the evidence from the story that proves your opinion. In the last column, tell if the evidence is what the character does (CD), what the character says (CS), or what other characters say about the character (OS).
Name of character______
Trait / Proof / Classification- Using the information collected in the chart, write a paragraph that describes Mike’s personality. ( Hint: remember to include information that proves your traits)