This document discusses characterization and how plot and character work together in fiction. It provides examples from works like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and A Doll's House to illustrate key points. The main ideas are: 1) Writers have to create believable characters and show inner change through words alone, drawing on skills in psychology, philosophy, history and more. 2) Crises or precipitating events can bring out the best or worst in characters and propel the plot. In Breaking Bad and A Doll's House, diagnoses and threats respectively drive changes. 3) Characters are revealed through how they deal with conflicts, and plots create opportunities for this through obstacles that force characters to act

1. What happened to you Mr. White?
If the character and their motives are
believable, we follow the plot. For. Years.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 1

2. Characterization
In Essay #2, due at the end of Week 6, we
compare and contrast how any two pieces
studied so far use one element. An element
great to focus on in plays and short stories is
Characterization.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 2

3. The Challenge
Writers have a real challenge. With words alone they try to
create characters who are distinguishable from each other and
consistent. But they have to be interesting too, which means they
have to change. That change must be believable. And so we need
to know their motives and to see deep enough into their hearts
and minds to believe they can change. Writers are psychologists,
philosophers, sociologists and historians all rolled into one.
Critics are still studying and readers still enjoying Jane Austin.
Because she made it seem easy. Other writers hate that. Not
really. Well on some days, really.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 3

4. Plot and Character not working together
TV plots rich in action & carnage can interfere
with plausible Character development. Those
dramatic and deadly finales boost ratings
though. In TV, plot is often king (and sits on
the iron throne).
But many viewers critique TV shows based on
how believable the characters are. And they
may not like it when a character changes
suddenly to suit the plot.
Walking Dead fans joke that if a character
suddenly becomes much more sympathetic
and likable, they have a week to live. Maybe
two.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L
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In the episodes before she
dies, Andrea from The
Walking Dead got a quick
character make-over. Re-
united with the group that
had left her behind, she
was risking her life to
protect them from the
“Governor.” We loved her
again. Her last scene was
all the more tragic and
dramatic.

5. The Precipitating Event
opens the door for change
Crisis brings out the best or the worst in a character. Jane
Fonda playing Nora in A Doll’s House.
As the Intro to Plot lecture
mentioned, Stephen King said he
starts his books by simply
putting a character in a situation.
Breaking Bad opens with a high
school teacher receiving a
terminal cancer diagnosis. This
precipitating event starts the ball
rolling on massive changes in his
life. For Nora in A Doll’s House
it’s an extortion threat from the
aptly named Krogstad.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 5

6. Motive, Free Will & Character
Fans of Breaking Bad enjoyed debating Mr. White’s true
motives. He turned to dealing drugs because he wanted to
leave something for his family. But does he continue in the
criminal life for that reason? Or does he enjoy the excitement
and power? Did the diagnosis bring out a hidden part of him?
That’s part of what makes him interesting. We wonder who he
is at his core – a caring father and husband, a bold battler who
loves living on the edge. Or both.
What makes a person change, or resist change? How do
different people deal with crisis, threat, opportunity and gifts?
Do we discover ourselves or make ourselves as we deal with
life’s hills and valleys?
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 6

7. Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 7
Names &
nicknames
Names suggest character. Darth Vader. Heisenberg. Walter White. Albus
Dumbledore. Mary Poppins. Squeakie. Maxson. Krogstad. Gradgrind.
Performers may change their names to fit the public persona they want to
present. John Legend was born John Stephens. Marilyn Monroe was born
Norma Jeane Mortenson.
Action under
pressure
The way a character deals with obstacles & conflicts reveals much, maybe even
to the character themselves, as is true with life.
Thoughts In fiction, some types of narration let us hear characters’ thoughts. In plays,
monologues may do the same. We learn of fears, doubts, hopes, dreams,
biases, delusions, realizations, etc.
Physical
appearance
“Physical descriptions can indicate important inner qualities” (Meyer 115) as
well as emotional states: a smile, a laugh, a blush, a nervous tic, posture,
clothes, body language.
What others
say
The narrator may tell us what to think of a character. (This is more common in
19th Century Lit, when values were clear and agreed upon.) Other characters
opinions and reactions tell us a lot too.
Influences In memories or flashbacks we learn who & what shaped a character.
The Main Ways Writers Bring Characters to Life

8. And of course facial expressions
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 8

9. Find a Face
For 10 Bonus Points, locate in any piece we’ve read so far a good
description of a character’s facial expressions and/or body language.
Here is Dickens value-laden description of Ebenezer Scrooge:
Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind-stone, Scrooge! a
squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old
sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out
generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The
cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose,
shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips
blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on
his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own
low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the
dogdays; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 9

10. Types of Characters
Open to interpretation and debate (in an essay perhaps)
The Type Description Examples
Dynamic/
Round
“Undergoes some kind of change because of the
action of the plot” (Meyers). Interesting. They
raise questions we want answered. May surprise.
Troy Maxson, Rose Maxson,
Cory, Torvald, Nora,
Krogstad (?)
Static/Flat Does not change. Could still be interesting. May
have one or two qualities easily summarized. May
change somewhat but not surprise.
Gabriel, Dr. Rank,
Mrs. Linde, Bono,
Forrest Gump (?)
A Foil A static character who provides a contrast to
another character (usually a dynamic one).
Jim Bono, Dr. Rank, Mrs.
Linde
Stock Stereotypes, usually in “formula” fiction (e.g.,
detective, romance, sci-fi). The tough cop, mean
boss, goofy grandparent, loyal servant, sadistic
drill sergeant, snarky android. With of a good
writer / actor stock characters can come alive.
Helene the maid, Anne-
Marie the “nurse” (nanny)
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 10

11. Plot & Character Work Together
From Intro to Plot lecture
In addition to creating excitement for the reader, plot creates opportunity
for the characters to show who they are. Just as in life, conflicts and
obstacles force people to act (or fail to act, which also has consequences
that can change them). How they act reveals who they are – to themselves,
others characters, and us. Their actions move the story forward, leading to
more opportunities for change.
In Fences Rose and Troy face several conflicts. Two are with each other, over
their son Cory’s desire to play sports and an affair. Others are with inner
demons and outer forces. How they act and react to these conflicts makes
them dynamic, three-dimensional people. And the pressures of the plot
make the roles attractive to the best actors.
In A Doll’s House Nora’s debt problem becomes a crisis when the man she
owes the debt to threatens blackmail. How she overcomes this obstacle
reveals and deepens her character. The way Torvald reacts when he finds
out about the debt reveals his character in turn. To Nora it’s a shock that
leads to a revelation in her and the play’s controversial climax.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 11

12. Questions for use
in an Essay Comparing & Contrasting characters
• Looking at slide 10. what types of characters are in your 2 pieces?
• Looking at slide 7, what characterization methods do your 2 pieces use
most?
• In which piece did the characters feel more believable? Why? (Pinpoint a
scene.)
• How are the main characters of the two pieces the same? Different?
• Is there a foil character in each who helps highlight the main characters’
qualities? (Your whole essay could focus on foil characters.)
• How much are the characters shaped by their time and place? Who is the
most affected by setting? The least? Why?
• What’s obstacles or conflicts reveal the main characters’ true self?
• Which ending was more plausible, based on what we know of the
characters?
• Is there a character in a piece I know well who reminds me of the characters
in my main pieces? Can I bring in that 3rd piece for up to 25 Bonus Points?
(All media qualify: Books, films, TV series, story-driven video games, etc.)
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 12

13. Tips for an Essay focused on
Characterization
• Use terms and ideas from the related lectures and reading.
Show your knowledge.
• Be specific and concrete. When making general statements,
give examples. Use the phrase “for example” often.
• Plot and character go hand in hand. If focusing on one, consider
a section on the other, adding more depth to the essay.
• You do not have to love the pieces you choose for your essay. I
respect when students express critical opinions. It’s often easier
to write a critical essay than a praising one. Read movie and
book reviews. You’ll see many have a mix of positive and
negative.
• Start early. Get a rough Intro or even more posted for feedback
from me.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 13

14. Bonus Opportunity
Use the information on Slide 7 to analyze your
favorite fictional character (from any medium).
Give at least 2 specific examples. If using prose,
quotes appreciated.
For up to 20 Bonus Points, make a chart as on
Slide 10 of the characters in a book, TV series, or
film / film franchise that you know well. If you
feel you need a new category, make it and
briefly explain it.
Plot & Character 2. ENGL 151L 14