CHARACTERS
SHORT STORY ELEMENTS: CHARACTERS
There are two meanings for the word character:
1)The person in a work of fiction - Antagonist and Protagonist
Short stories use few characters. One character is clearly central to the story with all major events having some importance to this character - he/she is the PROTAGONIST. The person who opposes the main character is called the ANTAGONIST.
2) The characteristics of a person.
In order for a story to seem real to the reader its characters must seem real. The author may reveal a character in several ways:
a)physical appearance
b)words, thoughts, feelings, dreams
c)actions
d)comments of other characters
e) direct statements from the author
Characters are convincing if they are: consistent, motivated, and life-like (resemble real people). Characters do not necessarily have to be people; they could be animals or things as well.
Characters may be...
1)Round – true to life with many personality traits.
2)Dynamic – go through a change or development in the story, usually because something happens to them.
3) Flat - stereotyped, have one or two characteristics that never change and are emphasized (e.g. brilliant detective, drunk, scrooge, cruel stepmother).
4) Static – do not change throughout the story.
CHARACTERS ACTIVITY
Read “The Cast of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe.
1) Who is the protagonist? Are they a round, dynamic, flat, or static character? Explain why.
2) Who is the antagonist? Are they a round, dynamic, flat, or static character? Explain why.
3) Describe the preparations and precautions Montresor undertook to achieve his goal. What do these tell us about Montresor’s character?
4) According to Montresor, what is necessary for the perfect revenge? By this standard, is Montresor’s revenge perfect?
5) How is the setting significant in this story?
6) Complete the character sketch below for either Montresor or Fortunato.