Character
 a person or animal in a story
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Characterization
The methods used by the author to
create or reveal the characters in a
story.
There are two types of characterization:
direct or indirect
Characterization
Sooooooooooo…
Characterization is the
description or portrayal
(either directly or indirectly)
of a character in a story.
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.
Direct Characterization
When directly
characterizing,
think TELLING!
An author will
straight forwardly,
straight up, and
directly (TO THE
POINT) tell you
character traits.
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.
Indirect
Characterization
When indirectly
characterizing, think
SHOWING!
An author will, in a round
about and jagged arrow,
present or SHOW you
character traits.
You have to read between the
lines to understand the
character’s traits.
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.
Description A is an
example of direct
characterization
because….
The author comes right out and
tells you that James was
always ANGRY, and that he
was LOOKING for a fight
almost constantly.
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 B is an
example of indirect
characterization because...
We can TELL from his angry eyes,
frowning mouth and the way he
walked that he is angry. Also, we
can 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
-speech, thoughts, feelings, or
actions of the character
-the narrator’s direct comments
about a character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters
?
-a direct description of physical
appearance of character
?
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.
Minor Character
A minor character is one who
takes part in the action but is
not the focus of attention.
Types of Characters
• The protagonist (or
typically the main
character) is the
central figure in the
work; the good guy.
• The antagonist is
the character or
force pitted against
the protagonist; the
bad guy.
More types of
characters:
• A static
character does
not change
through the
course of the
action.
• A dynamic
character is one
who does
change.
•A static
character
does NOT
change.
•A dynamic
character
changes
over time.
More types of
characters:
• A round character is
a complex, fully
developed
character.
• A flat character is a
one-dimensional
character, typically
not central to the
story.
•A round
character has
a complex
personality.
•A flat character
has only one
personality or
character trait.
The protagonist
is usually…
• The central character - good guy.
• A character the reader can
identify with; they’re relatable.
• Has a rounded personality (we
hear what they say, what others
say about them, we know what
they think and how they feel).
• And/Or also character with a
dynamic personality.
Secondary
characters
are usually…
•Flat
•Static
1. Main person or persons in a story.
a) Minor Characters
b) Major Characters
c) Manure Chips
2. Supporting characters in a story.
a) Major characters
b) Minor characters
c) Supportive characters
3. A character who experiences a change or
development over the course of the narrative:
a) dynamic character
b) round character
c) flat character
d) static character
4. A static character is:
a) The way a writer reveals the personality of a character
b) character that doesn’t change in the course of a story
c) Character that does change in the course of a work
5. The bad guy; character working against main character.
a) plot
b) antagonist
c) Protagonist
6. A well-developed character:
a) dynamic character
b) flat character
c) static character
d) round character
7. A superhero would be which type of character?
a) flat/round
b) flat/static
c) flat/dynamic
d) static/dynamic
8. A character who’s so one-dimensional they’re
predictable is:
a) static
b) flat
c) round
d) Dynamic
9. A dynamic character...
a) doesn't change
b) changes physically
c) changes personality
10. Most protagonists are:
a) flat/static
b) flat/round
c) round/dynamic
d) round/static
11. Most minor characters are:
a) flat/static
b) flat/round
c) round/dynamic
d) round/static
12. Personally, [insert your name here] is which
character type:
a) round
b) dynamic
c) flat or static