Characterization, Setting and POV

1. Characterization, Setting and POV Using text and inference to establish place and time and increase understanding

2. Character vs. Characterization • Character is someone or something involved in the main elements of the story and can offer action or insight into the events of the story • Characterization is how the character is portrayed. • Thoughts, actions, how other characters think of or respond

3. Types of Characterization Direct Indirect Author allows the reader to experience the events of the story and draw their own conclusions of a Character’s character Example: No explanation is offered except for dialogue between two characters; a character is portrayed as pushing another down in the hallway • Author uses cues to supply the reader with a specific picture of the character (moral representation) of a character (Character’s character) • Example: Some versions of Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death he specifically states Prince Prospero is a devil or Satan worshipper; Maupassant specifically said Mme. Loisel was selfish and self-centered.

4. Flat vs. Round Flat Round Three dimensional Character is a complete pictured and as complicated as you and me Identify with the character Enough information to determine flaws or virtues • One dimensional • Character is limited • See one side or characteristic of the character • Probably will not change over the course of the story/novel http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Round+and+Flat+Characters

5. Static vs. Dynamic Static Dynamic Changes as a result of the events in the story Portrayed early in one way and develops over the time the story covers and as a result of events in the plot Typically the main character(s) and changes are clearly explained • Stays the same • Limited portrayal in story and does not allow for change or growth • Uninteresting and serve a specific purpose related to the plot and main character(s) http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Static+and+Dynamic+Characters

6. Effects of Characterization Direct Indirect Reader can draw their own conclusions Reader uses own moral compass to determine the character of a character Characterization is arguable with supporting evidence • Reader is told how to think or feel • No need for interpretation • May allow for character change; may be a steadfast character • Few differences in how the character is interpreted

7. Why does it matter? • Knowing the characters: • Draws the reader in deeper • Generates emotional connections and invests the reader • Builds understanding and can be an author’s bread and butter • Deepens the effects of POV • Can push the reader to examine or redefine their own beliefs or values

8. Setting • More than place and time • Location and date can be important, but it needs to go beyond • Many effective stories are not set on a specific date in one singular location (A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away; Harry Potter has no specific dates and jumps locations several times per book)

9. Beyond Place and Time • Authors create more rich settings by: • Using sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) • Make allusions and ties to familiar while also creating rich and vivid details • Draw on realistic or common locations, but offer details from the perspective of the character(s) • Focus as much development on the setting as the characters

10. Setting As Character Can setting be a character? What value does setting offer that can give it a life of its own and be considered a character? How can setting evolve throughout a storyline in similar patterns as characters?

11. Effect of Setting Gives the reader a fully developed image of the characters’ environment DIRECTLY influences the characters’ actions and can play a role in the development of plot points Without setting there is little frame of reference for the reader and leaves the story feeling incomplete (reader’s mind wonders)

12. Point of View • Four types: • 1st person • 2nd person • 3rd person limited • 3rd person omniscient

13. 1st Person I, me, my statements Only get the opinion of the character or those trusted by the character Narrator is typically the round, dynamic character Bias Limits feelings about other characters and forces many of them into flat, static territory

14. 2nd Person You, your statements Forces the reader to actively participate in the story/novel and relies on the readers instincts or thoughts Events presented that readers are unfamiliar with will leave them confused or disinterested Difficult perspective to write from Most popular/common occurrence is in Choose Your Own Adventure stories

15. 3rd Person Limited He, She, him, her, his, they, them statements Narrator is NOT involved in the events of the story Can be told from another place and time Does not offer insight into ALL characters thoughts or feelings May follow one character intensively while mentioning others at times to further the plot (Harry Potter)

16. 3rd Person Omniscient He, she, him, her, his, they, them statements Narrator is NOT involved in the story No sense of time and place beyond the character’s Offers information into the thoughts, feelings and experiences of ALL main characters, but frequently focuses on a singular character the other’s orbit OR jumps between characters through organized chapters or textual cues

17. Effects of POV • POV can leave the reader predisposed to the author’s opinion • Allows the author to participate in direct or indirect characterization to advance the plot • Consider Twilight, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games

18. Elements Together Characters are affected by the setting Reader’s interpretations are affected by the type characterizations provided Setting details can be determined by the POV of the work (1st person will set a limited setting, 3rd person will create a rich and full picture) Setting can be a factor in the characterization (Harry Potter)

19. Where we will begin • Characterization • Assignment: • Watch or refer to one television show or movie and determine the type of character the main characters are. Provide evidence to support your assertion. Use the graph provided.