An introduction to the literary element Characterization, made for ENGL 151L

1. What happened to you Mr. White?
If the character and their motives are
believable, we follow the plot. For.
Years.

2. Use Lectures in Essays
In Essay #1,* due at the end of Week 4, respond to one piece from Weeks 1-4.
Then show how one literary element relates to your reactions. In Essay #2,^
compare and contrast how 2 pieces use an element. For both essays, choose
from plot, character, narration, point of view or setting. Only one element
needed, but know that one well. Use what you learn in this lecture and the
reading to write a meaningful essay.
Do you tend to be interested in what makes people tick? Is your major business
related to helping or managing people? Then Character might be a good element
for you to work with, either in the first or the second essay.
*Extended Essay 1 Option: Discuss a 2nd element for up to 25 extra points. To
earn the full 25, cover the 2nd element in depth.
^Extended Essay 2 options: Discuss a 2nd element or a 3rd piece for up to 25
extra points. To earn the full 25, cover the 2nd element or 3rd piece in depth. But
all attempts will earn some extra points.
Introduction to Character. 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.
Introduction to Character. 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.
Introduction to Character. 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 Inciting Incident
opens the door to character change
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 inciting incident
starts the ball rolling on massive
changes in his life. For the older
brother in “Sonny’s Blues,” it is
learning that his brother has been
arrested. For Connie, in “Where
are You Going…” it’s a man who
claims to know everything about
her showing up at the door.
Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 5
A stranger can show up and change
everything. A problem or threat can
bring out a person’s core. Creative
writers like to explore how that
happens. To them the human heart is
like a deep cave or an unexplored
planet. Go with them. What will you
find?

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, or a bold battler
who loves living on the edge? Or somehow 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?
Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 6

7. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 7
Names &
nicknames
Names suggest character. Darth Vader. Heisenberg. Walter White. Albus
Dumbledore. Mary Poppins. Squeakie. Maxson. Krogstad. Gradgrind. Arnold
Friend (ironic?). 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
Viola Davis in the Fences
Introduction to Character. 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 Charles Dickens judgmental, value-laden description of the
infamous 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.
Introduction to Character. 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)
Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 10

11. Character Questions for Essay #1
a Response Essay
• Did you expect to be un/interested in the characters? What changed that?
• Did the characters remind me of anyone in your life? It’s fine to include a
Reflection section about that if it had an impact on your response.
• Did a character’s choice surprise you? Were their motives clear,
believable?
• Was there a minor character who played a key role?
• What characterization methods does this author rely on?
• What scene most reveals the main character’s heart?
• Who changes the most? Why? Who fails to change?
• Did you disagree with the class about any character? That’s interesting.
(Use the essay to explain how you see it).
• Did you ever feel you were in a character’s mind? Where? (Quote a spot.)
How did the writer do that?
Also see “Questions about Character” on page 138
Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 11

12. Character Questions Essay #2
a Compare-Contrast Essay
• Looking at slide 11. 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? Is there enoughto say
about setting to use it for an extended essay extra 25 points?
• 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.) Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 12

13. Bonus Opportunity
Use the information on Slide 7 to analyze your
favorite fictional character (from any genre or
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.
Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 13