Methods of Characterization
Please review the
following notes on
the Methods of
Characterization in
preparation of
reading Alice
Walker’s short
story “Everyday
Use.”
Flat Characterization
A character who has one or
two sides, representing one
or two traits—often a
stereotype.
Example: Like nerdy
science professor
Professor Klump in
The Nutty Professor
Round Characterization
A character who is complex and
has many sides or traits
with unpredictable
behavior and a fully
developed personality
Example: Like Phoebe
on Friends
Dynamic Characterization
A character who experiences an essential change in
personality or attitude.
Example: Stitch,
from Lilo and
Stitch
Static Characterization
A character who does not
change or develop beyond the
way in which she or he is
first presented.
Example: Mustafa in
The Lion King