Character
Character:
A person, animal, or other
such object represented in
a story.
Characterization:
The methods used
by the author to
create or reveal
the characters
in a story.
(Direct or Indirect)
Direct Characterization
The method of
character
development in
which the author
simply tells you
what the character
is like.
For example, “Miss
Alice was the
nicest person you
would ever want to
meet,” is direct
characterization.
Indirect
Characterization
The method of
characterization that is
most similar to the way
we learn about people in
real life. Using indirect
characterization, the
author presents the
character’s personality
through what he/she says,
his/her actions, or how
other characters relate to
him/her. You must then
draw your own
conclusions about the
character.
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
Read the following
example of
characterization.
Decide whether it is an
example of direct or
indirect
characterization.
(A) James was one of
those people who was
constantly angry. He
looked for trouble
wherever he went, and
he usually found it.
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
(B) Stanley’s eyes blazed
as he surveyed the
room. The corners
of his mouth pointed
in a decidedly
southerly direction.
Carol moved aside as
he stalked past her.
“Look out for Stan,”
she whispered to
Bart. “He’s in
another one of his
moods. I’d stay far
away if I were you!”
Description A is an
example of direct
characterization.
The author comes right out and
tells you that James was always
angry, and that he was looking
for a fight almost constantly.
Description B is an
example of indirect
characterization.
We can tell from his angry eyes,
frowning mouth and the way he
walked that he is angry. We can
also see that others are
somewhat frightened by him by
observing their reactions. Carol
moves aside and warns Bart to
avoid Stanley.
Which method is
more effective
in developing
the character?
Why do you
think so?
Methods of
Characterization
creating believable characters…
INDIRECT
DIRECT
-physical appearance
-the narrator’s direct
comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings,
or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters
Types of Characters…
• Major
• Minor
Major Character
The major (main)
character in a
story is like the
star of a movie
and is central to
the action that
takes place.
Example: Harry
Potter and Percy
Jackson
Minor character…
A minor character
is one who
takes part in the
action but is not
the focus of
attention.
Examples: Ron,
Hermoine, and
Luke
Types of Characters
• The protagonist
(or major/main
character) is the
central figure in
the work.
• Harry Potter
• The antagonist
is the character
or force pitted
against the
protagonist.
• Voldemort
More types of
characters…
• A Static
Character:
Does not change
through the
course of the
action.
• A Dynamic
Character:
The one who
does change in
the story.
Don’t forget the Stock
Character…
Stock Character:
A stereotype character
that is one found again
and again in literary
works. An example of
a stock character is
that of the mad
scientist that appears
over and over in
different works – such
as Dr. Evil, Dr. No, or
Dr. Frankenstein.
Round Character
A round character
is a complex,
fully developed
character.
Example: Edmund
and Lucy
Flat Character
A flat character is
a onedimensional
character,
typically not
central to the
story.
Example: The
Professor,
Seamus
Finnigan
The protagonist is
usually…
• The central character
• A character the reader can identify
with
• Has a rounded personality (we hear
what they say, what others say
about them, we know what they
think and how they feel)
• A character with a dynamic
personality
Secondary characters
are usually…
• Static
• Flat
Character Motivation
A motive is a reason that explains or
partially explains a character’s
thoughts, feelings, actions, or
speech. If the motives of a main
character are not clear, then the
character will not be believable.
Characters are often motivated by
needs, such as food and shelter.
They are also motivated by feelings,
such as fear, love, and pride.
Motives may be obvious or hidden.
Character Motivation
• There are two types of
character motivation:
• Intrinsic: Motivated to do
something by internal factors.
Examples:
I want approval from parents/friends
I want to feel good about myself
I want to be a better person
I want to fulfill personal satisfaction
Character Motivation
• Extrinsic: Motivated by external
factors.
• Example:
I want some chocolate
I want to earn money
I want good presents from Santa
Claus
Character’s Qualities or
Traits
Character Traits:
The personal
traits that make
up the
character’s
personality.
Example: Funny,
Intense, Sly,
Greedy, etc.
Dialogue
Dialogue: A
conversation
between two or
more people.
Dialogue is usually
set off by quotation
marks to indicate a
speaker’s exact
words.