1. Notes on Characterization What is it???

2. Characterization is… DEFINITION: The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. By getting to know the characters, and how they function, we learn something about people and life. The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. When a writer shows us who a character really is By getting to know the character, and how they function, we learn something about people and life. As we get to know characters, and their purpose, we learn something new about ourselves and the world.

3. What type of characters are there? ROUND--- A three-dimensional- numerous character traits FLAT---- A one-dimensional- one basic character trait. STATIC--- unchanging throughout the storyDYNAMIC --- changing throughout the story INDIVIDUAL--- unique and different STEROTYPE---follows specific trends or ideals

4. Take a look at these characters:

5. How are they organized now?

6. Let’s compare… Protagonist Antagonist • Protagonist (central character) • Antagonist (source of conflict for the central character) protagonist=often the hero antagonist=often the villain Any other examples from movies, television, books, etc?

7. One Last Section of Characterization • We can learn about a character’s mental, emotional, and moral traits from either direct or indirect characterization. • In direct characterization, the narrator or another character tells us what a person is like. The words are directly written in the book. • Example: Jordan at five is a sweet but mischievous girl who loves to dress up and play pretend games. • In this example of direct characterization, the author both describes the girl’s nature and tells about what she loves to do. 2 Types: • In indirect characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. It is not directly stated in the story. Indirect characterization is done through SPEECH, THOUGHTS, and ACTIONS. Example: The husband was fussing at his wife. “That bag of lettuce is half empty. Why didn’t you try to get one that had more in it? I can’t believe you didn’t look at the bag more carefully at the grocery store.”

8. Take a look at these characters:

9. How is your character characterized? ROUND--- A three-dimensional- numerous character trait Pick a character and decide which type they are. You must also tell why!!! 1 FLAT---- A one-dimensional- one basic character trait. 2 STATIC--- unchanging throughout the storyDYNAMIC --- changing throughout the story 1 2 INDIVIDUAL--- unique and different STEROTYPE---follows specific trends or ideal 1 2

10. Watch and Discuss 1) Is Dwight a flat character or round? Why? 2)Is Dwight an individual or a stereotype? 3) Is he static or dynamic?

11. Watch and Discuss 1) Is Steve Urkel a flat character or round? Why? • 2)Is Steve Urkel an individual or a stereotype? 3) Is he static or dynamic?

12. Tomorrow: Quiz on terms *Know the definitions of each of the character traits we discussed. *Know the difference between direct and indirect characterization. *Be able to read a story and determine the character traits.

13. Exit Slip Write your name, class date at the top of your paper. Put your notes away. Answer the following questions in complete sentences. • Write down one thing you learned today. • How many types of character traits did we define today? • What is the definition of a stereotype?