Characterization The Protagonist The protagonist is the main

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Characterization

Characterization

The Protagonist The protagonist is the main character and the focus of readers’ attention.

The Protagonist The protagonist is the main character and the focus of readers’ attention. A good protagonist • is complicated and contradictory, like a real person • has both strengths and weaknesses [End of Section]

The Antagonist The antagonist is the force that blocks the protagonist from getting what

The Antagonist The antagonist is the force that blocks the protagonist from getting what he or she wants. The antagonist may be • another character • a nonhuman force [End of Section]

Conflict is a struggle that occurs when the protagonist must find a way to

Conflict is a struggle that occurs when the protagonist must find a way to overcome or get around the antagonist. Conflicts drive plots, create suspense, and intrigue readers.

Conflict External conflict occurs between a character and some outside force, such as •

Conflict External conflict occurs between a character and some outside force, such as • another character or group of characters • the society the protagonist must live in • a force or feature of nature

Conflict Internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with opposing needs, desires, or emotions.

Conflict Internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with opposing needs, desires, or emotions. The character may • have to make a difficult decision • wrestle with fear or worry

Direct Characterization—The writer tells readers directly what a character is like. . he was

Direct Characterization—The writer tells readers directly what a character is like. . he was a simple, good-natured man; he was moreover a kind neighbor and an obedient, henpecked husband. from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving [End of Section]

Indirect Characterization—The writer reveals characters’ traits through • appearance • dialogue • private thoughts

Indirect Characterization—The writer reveals characters’ traits through • appearance • dialogue • private thoughts • actions • effects on others

Indirect Characterization Appearance The way writers describe characters’ appearance— physical features, clothing, and general

Indirect Characterization Appearance The way writers describe characters’ appearance— physical features, clothing, and general demeanor—provides insight into their personalities. (After his twenty-year nap) The appearance of Rip, with his long grizzled beard, his rusty fowling piece, his uncouth dress, . . . soon attracted the attention of the tavern politicians. from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Indirect Characterization Dialogue can reveal a lot about characters. Pay attention not only to

Indirect Characterization Dialogue can reveal a lot about characters. Pay attention not only to what characters say but also how they say it. (Entering the village after his twenty-year nap) “God knows, ” exclaimed [Rip]. . . , “I’m not myself. —I’m somebody else— that’s me yonder—no—that’s somebody else got into my shoes—I was myself last night; but I fell asleep on the mountain—and they’ve changed my gun—and everything’s changed—and I’m changed—and I can’t tell what’s my name, or who I am!” from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Indirect Characterization Private Thoughts Characters’ private thoughts can reveal what they think, feel, want,

Indirect Characterization Private Thoughts Characters’ private thoughts can reveal what they think, feel, want, or fear. (Rip learns that friends have passed away in his absence) Rip’s heart died away, at hearing of these sad changes in his home and his friends, and finding himself thus alone in the world. . . he had no courage to ask after any more friends, but cried out in despair, “Does nobody here know Rip Van Winkle? ” from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Indirect Characterization Actions Characters’ actions—what they do and how they do it—tell a great

Indirect Characterization Actions Characters’ actions—what they do and how they do it—tell a great deal about them. He assisted at their sports, made their playthings, taught them to fly kites and shoot marbles, and told them long stories. . from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Indirect Characterization Effects on Others The effect a character has on others also helps

Indirect Characterization Effects on Others The effect a character has on others also helps readers understand what the character is like. The children of the village. . . would shout with joy whenever he approached. . Whenever he went dodging about the village he was surrounded by a troop of them. . . and not a dog would bark at him throughout the neighborhood. from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Flat characters • have only one or two character

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Flat characters • have only one or two character traits • can be described in a few words • are usually minor characters

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Round characters • have many character traits • are

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Round characters • have many character traits • are complex, like real people • are often major characters

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Stock characters • fit readers’ preconceived ideas about “types,

Flat, Round, and Stock Characters Stock characters • fit readers’ preconceived ideas about “types, ” such as mad scientists or nagging wives • are not complex like real people [Rip’s] wife kept continually dinning in his ears about his idleness, his carelessness, and the ruin he was bringing on the family. Morning, noon, and night, her tongue was incessantly going. . from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving [End of Section]

Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s action.

Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s action. They • are main characters • gain a new understanding, make an important decision, or take a crucial action • help reveal the meaning of the story Believable changes [End of Section]

Static Characters Static characters are usually exactly the same as the story ends as

Static Characters Static characters are usually exactly the same as the story ends as they were when it began. They • are almost always subordinate characters • support the plot without distracting readers from the main action—the protagonist’s conflict and growth [End of Section]

Motivation Writers make characters believable by revealing what motivates them to act as they

Motivation Writers make characters believable by revealing what motivates them to act as they do. A character’s motivation • is based on his or her needs or conflicts • reveals why characters act, feel, and think as they do • must usually be inferred from clues in the story