Literary Elements: Characterization and Point of View Ms. MachadoEnglish 9 Honors

A Character is…A person in fictionportrayed through action,

speech, description and commentary

Character TraitsCharacter trait - the quality of

mind of habitual mode of behavior ◦ Ex. Lazy or ambitious, serene or anxious,

aggressive or fearful, thoughtful or inconsiderate

Character traits are illustrated BY a character’s response to situation and circumstance.

Round vs. Flat CharactersRound Character- a character

with many traits, one who is complex, whose personality has a lot of “layers”.

Flat character– a character with only one or two key personality traits

Stock CharactersStock Character – a character

who fits a preconceived notion about a “type”◦Ex. Villain, hero, damsel in distress,

mad scientist, nagging mother, controlling father, etc.

Dynamic vs. Static CharactersDynamic – undergoes a change or

alteration through the course of a story

Can be seen through: an action, an epiphany or an acceptance of a new change/condition

Static – does not change or grow throughout the story

Is often used to highlight the development of round characters

Protagonist vs. AntagonistProtagonist – the main character

in a storyAntagonist- the character or

force that conflicts with the protagonist

Usually evil Can be a force of nature

Character Example: ShrekSHREK: An Ogre•Round character? Or Flat?•Dynamic character? Or Static?•Stock Character?•Protagonist or Antagonist?

Fiona: Princess-turned-Ogre

Round? Or Flat?Dynamic? Or Static?

Stock Character?Protagonist or Antagonist?

Character Example: ShrekPrince Charming: HottieRound or Flat?Dynamic or Static?Stock?Protagonist or Antagonist?

CharacterizationCharacterization -- The way that

the author develops the characters◦The information the author gives the

reader about the character Some ways in which character is revealed:

Physical appearance Thoughts, feelings, dreams and words of character Character’s actions What others say about and react to character

◦Characters are convincing if they are consistent, motivated and life-like

Direct vs. Indirect Characterization

◦Direct characterization – tells readers directly what a character is like

Ex. Narrator’s comments

◦Indirect characterization – shows readers what a character is like– requires readers to make an inference

Physical description; appearance Speech/Dialogue Private thoughts/feelings Motives & Actions Speech, action, thoughts, feelings of other

characters Effects on other characters

Character AnalysisConsider:

◦How is character revealed at the beginning of the novel/story?

◦How does the character change throughout the course of the novel/story?

◦How is the character revealed at the end of the novel/story?

◦What do the character’s experiences teach us?