Characterization
You know who your characters are while
reading, but do you understand how the author
provides the information about characters?
Characterization
Direct
Characterization
Indirect
Characterization
Direct Characterization
The author comes right out
and describes the character
Indirect Characterization
You make inferences about the
character based on what he or
she says and does, or by what
others say about him or her.
Types of Characters
Major (Central) / Minor
Major/Central
Minor
These characters are vital to
the development and
resolution of the conflict.
The characters that serve to
complement the major
characters and help move
the plot events forward.
In other words, the plot and
resolution of conflict
revolves around these
characters.
Protagonist / Antagonist
Protagonist
The protagonist is the central
person in a story, and he/she is
often referred to as the story’s
main character.
He/She (or they) is faced with a
conflict that must be resolved.
The protagonist may not always
be admirable (ex. An anti-hero),
but nevertheless, he/she must
command involvement and even
empathy from the reader.
Antagonist
The antagonist is the character(s)
that represents the opposition
against which the protagonist
must contend.
In other words, the antagonist is
an obstacle that the protagonist
must overcome.
Flat / Round
Flat Character
Round Character
A character that is minor
within the story, and the
author has not revealed a
great deal of information
about him or her.
A character that is fully
developed and highly
involved in the story.
Static / Dynamic
Static Character
Dynamic Character
A character that does not
undergo substantial emotional
change or growth, for they
remain essentially the same
from start to finish.
A character that undergoes an
important change during the
course of the story.
The changes are not
coincidental or insignificant, for
the changes will be in relation
to their insight, personality,
beliefs, values, etc.