Writing a Characterization



WRITING A CHARACTERIZATION

Characterization is the means an author uses to describe or develop a character for the reader. The brevity of a short story insures that there will be few characters. The main character is the only character who is really developed, so characterization in a short story is fairly easy to analyse. In complex novels or dramas, however, one usually finds more characters and there might be several round characters next to the protagonist(s).

In fictional texts, the characters are presented through their main features, such as their outer appearance, behaviour, abilities, words and thoughts, feelings and also by other people’s opinions of them and reactions to them.

How to Analyse a Character in a Narrative

The author may employ the following direct or indirect means of characterization:

• Physical description

• Speech and actions

• Direct comment from the narrator

• Speech and actions of other characters

There are basically four types of characters:

• Round: A complex and fully developed character.

• Dynamic: A character that develops throughout the story.

• Flat: A character described by one or two traits.

• Static: A character that does not change from the beginning of the story to its end.

• Functional: A character fulfils a certain function in the story, but apart from that remains in the background

Five ways to analyse characters:

• Motivation: What causes the character to act?

• Behaviour: What does the character do?

• Consequences: What results from the character’s behaviour?

• Responsibility: Is the character held accountable for his/her actions?

• Expectations: Are the reader’s expectations fulfilled or challenged? Why is this so?

Source:

PREPARATION

• Read the text carefully

• Mark or underline words and sentences that give you information about the character(s).

• Put your findings in a chart that includes the following columns

|Outward appearance |Abilities |Behaviour and actions|Words and thoughts |Feelings |Other people's |

| | | | | |reactions or |

| | | | | |judgements |

| | | | | | |

Note: Use these points as a help to check if information is given on a point – sometimes you cannot find information on each point

• Development: Ask yourself: In what way does your character develop throughout the novel/short story? What are your second impressions of her/him? Did your attitude towards the character change throughout the chapters you have read?

WRITING

• Start with a short introduction and present the setting, situation and the character(s).

• Arrange your text in paragraphs. Start a new paragraph for each idea and use linking words.

• Present the evidence from the text and comment on it. Refer to or quote the text.

• Try to show how the different characteristic features belong together.

• Finish the characterisation with a concluding sentence.

• Finally go through the text again, check if you have kept to your notes and then proofread it.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

When you analyse a character make sure you do not simply repeat what a character looks like or how he behaves. It is vital to draw conclusions from what a character looks like or does. Use an adjective to illustrate a person's trait of character.

For this example, we'll use the character of Harry Potter from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

|Action |Conclusions |

|chases Malfoy when he takes Neville's Remembrall |courageous, brave, caring (for his friends), supportive, ... |

|runs to warn Hermione about the Mountain Troll on Halloween and | |

|helps Ron fight the Troll | |

|works to protect the Sorcerer's Stone and keep it away from Lord | |

|Voldemort | |

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