Characterization
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Literary characters are those
creations that permit artists to play
deity – to populate a fictional universe with people
and creatures of their own making. Characterization
is the process by which an author fashions these
fictional characters.
Through use of great detail, the author “paints a
picture in the reader’s mind.”
Major characters are the principal figures of the work; they are
the protagonists in regard to conflict. If a major character
changes as a result of an experience, he is dynamic or kinetic.
DYNAMIC/KINETIC: The character changes (learns a lesson)
through the course of the story. Ex: Scrooge
STATIC: When a character remains the same
Ex: Most villains (the Joker is evil all the way through the
Batman series)
Round Character
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These individuals are complex,
demonstrating many personality aspects,
have believable motivations, and often surprise the reader.
Ex: Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter is a “round”
character in that the reader is allowed to see many facets
of her personality. She is human – neither totally good nor
bad. She is capable of surprising the reader when, at the
end of the novel, she returns voluntarily to the New
England setting and resumes the wearing of the dreaded
letter.
Flat Character
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These fictional beings are constructed around one
central idea or characteristic and never change or
surprise the reader.
Ex:
James
Bond
Stock Character
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This character is a stereotype: conventional
character representing a particular group, class, or
occupation. Because his character is conventional,
he acts according to patterns. His appearance is
familiar, speech predictable, and actions
standardized.
Ex: The typical coach
The typical cheerleader
Allegorical/symbolic figures
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A character may be this when his/her actions and
words seem designed to represent some thought or
view or quality. Ultimately, a symbolical figure is
one whose accumulated actions lead the reader to
see him as something more than his own
person.
Uncle Sam represents America
Foil
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A foil is a character who serves as a contrast to
another, usually to work to the advantage of the
protagonist. He may help to illuminate the
protagonist’s positive qualities by showing his own
negative attributes, thus providing a clear and
understandable contrast for the reader.
Confidant
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Often used in drama, is a character to whom the
protagonist reveals his inner thoughts; he becomes a
convenient device for the protagonist to speak his
thoughts to without addressing them to the audience
in the form of a soliloquy.
Appearance
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This may be taken as a clue to a character’s real
nature. This shows descriptions of physical details
and dress, which serve as indicators of character
and social station.
Words
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What a character says is one of the most revealing
aspects of characterization. How does he say his
words? What are his habits of speech? His tone?
Does the occasion color the tone?
Direct Characterization
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When the writer tells the reader specific details
about the character’s personality and looks
Example: The teacher was angry and frustrated with
the class.
Indirect Characterization
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When the writer gives you details about the actions
and words of the character and you draw your own
conclusions about the character’s personality.
Example: The teacher slammed down her fist and
frowned at the class.