notes

1. Character and Characterization
Understanding Literary Elements in
Fiction

2. What is a Character?
• • A character is a person, animal, or figure
represented in a literary work.
• • Characters are the driving force of any
narrative.
• • They can be real or fictional.

3. Types of Characters
• • Protagonist: The main character in the story.
• • Antagonist: The character or force that
opposes the protagonist.
• • Flat Character: A character with one or two
traits.
• • Round Character: A complex character with
many traits.
• • Static Character: A character who does not
change.
• • Dynamic Character: A character who

4. What is Characterization?
• • Characterization is the process by which the
writer reveals the personality of a character.
• • Two types:
• - Direct Characterization
• - Indirect Characterization

5. Direct vs. Indirect Characterization
• • Direct: The author tells the audience what
the personality of the character is.
• - Example: 'She was kind and generous.'
• • Indirect: The author shows things that reveal
the personality of a character.
• - Requires inference.

6. Methods of Indirect
Characterization (S.T.E.A.L.)
• • S – Speech: What does the character say?
• • T – Thoughts: What is revealed through the
character’s thoughts?
• • E – Effect on others: How do others react to
the character?
• • A – Actions: What does the character do?
• • L – Looks: What does the character look
like?

7. Practice Activity
• • Read an excerpt from a story.
• • Identify whether the characterization is
direct or indirect.
• • Use the S.T.E.A.L. method to describe the
character traits.