CharacterizationCharacterization

What is characterization?What is characterization?

The way a writer reveals characters to the reader.

(The better the characterization the more the character will seem real!)

There are two types: Direct or Indirect.

Direct CharacterizationDirect CharacterizationStates Directly what the

character is like.

Ex. Sergeant Randolph was the cruelest drillmaster in the regiment.

Indirect characterizationIndirect characterizationSpeechAllowing us to hear the character

speak.

“I don’t have to do what you say,” declared Darlene, pinching the new babysitter.

Indirect characterizationIndirect characterizationRevealing the character’s thoughts and feelings

Ashley didn’t like the looks of the squash pudding but decided to eat some to please the cook.

Indirect characterizationIndirect characterizationEffectShowing how others react to the

character.

“Go wake up my sister?” Lulu said. “Sure, Mom. Just give me armor and a twenty-foot pole, and I’ll be all set to go.

Indirect characterizationIndirect characterizationActions

Ex. Toni glanced around, then tossed empty soda can on the grass and kept walking.

Indirect characterizationIndirect characterizationLooksDescribe the appearance of the

character.Ex. Wanda’s hair was pink, and

every pink hair stuck up from her head. Underneath all that pink hair, though, was a pair of innocent blue eyes.

A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.

B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.

B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Peter was bored with the TV program, but the remote control was inexplicably across the room, so he just watched it anyway. Jan would be in soon, and she could fetch the remote control for him then.

How could you say this if it were direct characterization??

Why do characters do Why do characters do things?things?This is called motivation…The reason characters behave

the way they do

A motive…Is the reason why one character

does something.

2 types of charactersStatic- Stays the same

throughout the storyDynamic- changes throughout

the story

Protagonist- good guy

Antagonist- bad guy/causes problems