Characterization

Just as the point of view gives the reader information about the characters, the author also gives characters personalities with different beliefs that inform the choices they make. This characterization helps the author establish the theme, or the main idea of the story.  

Remember that the theme is the main idea, and the goal upon finishing a book or story is to recognize and possibly learn from the theme.

Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a man is wrongly sentenced to death because of his skin color. Some of the characters believe the man should not be in trouble, and some of the characters want the man in jail simply because of his skin color.

Overall Theme: People should not be judged based on their skin colors.

Indirect and Direct Characterization

There are two ways an author gives the reader information about the characters:

Indirect Characterization: When the reader has to figure out a character's image and personality using the S.T.E.A.L. method:

Example: "Molly picked up the trash that other students dropped on the ground."

Explanation: The reader knows that Molly is kind and caring because of how she acts in picking up other people's trash.

Direct Characterization: When the author specifically describes a character for the reader

Example: "Molly was kind to every person she met."

Explanation: The reader knows Molly is kind because the author clearly describes Molly as a kind person.

Flat, Round, Static, and Dynamic Characters

Along with direct and indirect characterization, an author develops a character by making him or her flat, round, static, or dynamic.

Flat or Round

Flat Character: A character whose personality can be described as having one or two personality traits and who does not have a lot of importance or depth

Round Character: A complex character with many personality traits and who does have many characteristics, high importance, and much depth

Static or Dynamic:

Static Character: Does not undergo any type of inner change (personality/attitude) throughout the text

Dynamic Character: Does undergo a type of inner change (personality/attitude) throughout the text

A character can also be a Foil Character:

Foil Characters are characters who create a contrast to a different character in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character (good appears more "good" when evil is present)

Example: Batman and Joker are foil characters because, without the contrast, people would not see how good Batman is or how evil Joker is.

Let's view the video below to learn more about characterization.

Characterization Self-Assessment

You will meet several characters from different short stories in the final lesson. However, prior to reading the short stories, can you understand who the characters are based on your knowledge of characterization? Practice your understanding below.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS