The Elements of Fiction: Character
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Lecture on character for an undergraduate general education course in fiction.
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The Elements of Fiction: Character
- 1. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION The Elements of Fiction Character Bruce Clary, McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas
- 2. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION “Character is plot, plot is character.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 3. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Conflict We will not remain long interested in impersonal forces; we demand character.
- 4. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Significance We’re most interested in people. The meaning we take from stories concerns human nature, human conduct.
- 5. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Character Types • Flat • Stock • Static
- 6. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Types • Round/Complex • Wide range of emotions • Contradictions, self-doubts, indecision • Characteristics that mark them as unique individuals • Dynamic
- 7. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Methods :: Author’s toolbox • Direct characterization—telling • What the narrative voice tells readers about the character “Wing Biddlebaum, forever frightened and beset by a ghostly band of doubts, did not think of himself as in any way a part of the life of the town where he had lived for twenty years” (27).
- 8. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Methods :: Author’s toolbox • Indirect characterization—showing • What the dramatized scenes show us about character “With a convulsive movement of his body, Wing Biddlebaum sprang to his feet and thrust his hands deep into his trousers pockets. Tears came to his eyes. ‘I must be getting home. I can talk no more with you,’ he said nervously” (29).
- 9. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Methods of indirect characterization • Names • Dialogue/voice • Physical features/ • Habits characteristics • What others say • Clothing, dress • How other characters • Possessions treat, respond to • Actions, choices, • Self-portrait, thoughts decisions
- 10. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Unity Need for unity is greatest in presentation of character. Characters must be plausible, command reader’s belief.
- 11. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Motivation The whys and hows strong enough to effect the alleged change in character