Characterization-the way a writer creates and develops characters’ personalities.
Four basic methods of characterization:
 Direct comments about a character’s personality through the voice of the
narrator.
 Describing the character’s physical appearance.
 Showing the character’s own thoughts, speech, and actions.
 Showing other character’s reactions to comments about the character.
Round characters-are complex, have a variety of traits, and often change over the
course of the story.
Flat characters-defined by only one or two traits, show only a few emotions, and
don’t grow or change.
With a partner, identify the characters you’ve been introduced to in your book so
far. How did the author develop their personalities? Do you think they are going to
be round or flat characters?