The document discusses the importance of characters in short stories. It notes that characters are the actors in a story and can be people, animals, or other entities. The protagonist is the main character, while the antagonist is in conflict with the protagonist. Characters are important as they drive the plot through their actions, help readers relate to the story, and provide perspective. The document discusses how authors develop characters through direct and indirect characterization, including through appearance, dialogue, private thoughts, and actions.

1. Describe yourself in DETAIL on a piece
of paper!

2. Elements of a
Short Story

3. Characters
• Characters are the actors in a story.
They can be people, animals, or
whatever the writer chooses.
• The protagonist is the main character.
• The antagonist is the person in conflict
with the main character.

4. Why are characters important?
1. There is no story without its characters.

5. Why are characters important?
2. Short story characters are important to help
readers relate to the stories they read.
Think of your favourite TV show. Can
you relate to any of those characters?

6. • WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO
RELATE TO CHARACTERS?

7. Why are characters important?
3. Characters are important to drive a plot, by
providing the main source of action in a short
story. Characters cannot be separated from
action.

8. 4. Short story characters help to provide
perspective, giving readers a way of viewing the
events within a short story.

9. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CkCpx3C
E2Q

10. Characters
• Characters are the actors in a story.
They can be people, animals, or
whatever the writer chooses.
• The protagonist is the main character.
• The antagonist is the person in conflict
with the main character.

11. Main Characters: The most important
characters in a story
Minor Character: Interacts with main character.
Has a lesser role in the story
- They help the plot move along

12. HOW DOES THE AUTHOR DEVELOP
THE CHARACTERS?
• Direct Characterization—The writer tells
readers directly what a character is like
. . . he was a simple,
good-natured man; he was
moreover a kind neighbor and
an obedient, henpecked
husband.
from “Rip Van Winkle” by
Washington Irving

13. Dialogue
Dialogue can reveal a lot about
characters. Pay attention not only to what
characters say but also how they say it.
“Grandma what Big teeth you have?”

14. Indirect Characterization—The writer
reveals characters’ traits through
• Appearance
• Dialogue
• Private thoughts
• Actions

15. Private Thoughts
• Characters’ private thoughts can reveal what
they think, feel, want, or fear.

16. Actions
• Characters’ actions—what they do and how
they do it—tell a great deal about them.
• The Hunter Saved the Granma and Little red
riding hood. What does this show about the
character?

17. Effects on Others
The effect a character has on others
also helps readers understand what
the character is like.

18. Group Work!
• draw a large silhouette of Red Riding Hood
• Each member of the group adds words or
short phrases that describe the main
character, Red Riding Hood
• Present it to the class.

19. Building a Character
• Character/Personality Traits!
• Character traits are descriptions of an individuals
personality.
• Ex:
• Religious
• Honest
• Loyal
• Devoted
• Loving
The Wolf

20. PHYSICAL TRAITS
• AGE
• TYPE OF CHARACTER (human, alien, animal)
• HOW THE CHARACTER LOOKS LIKE
How does the wolf look like?

21. Behaviour/Feelings
• Explain their behaviour and actions
•
•
•
•
Explain how they feel
What they like
What they don’t like
What is their goal? What do they want

22. PICK
A CHARACTER