This document discusses characterization in fiction through direct and indirect methods. It defines characterization as the portrayal and description of fictional characters. There are two main types of characterization - direct, which tells the audience about a character's personality, and indirect, which shows aspects of a character to reveal their personality. Indirect characterization is generally more complex and uses methods like a character's speech, thoughts, actions, effects on others, and appearance. The document provides examples of both direct and indirect characterization and discusses additional characterization techniques like different character types and how characters can be developed through existence in a story.

1. CHARACTERIZATION

2. DEFINING CHARACTERIZATION
~ Two definitions stand out the most:
1. portrayal; description
2. the creation and convincing representation of fictitious characters
(Dictionary.com )
~It is found in drama, narrative poetry, the novel, the short story, comics,
TV, films…almost anything!
~Relate building your “voice” in a personal narrative or essay to
characterization.
In essence you are developing yourself as the character.

3. TWO TYPES OF
CHARACTERIZATION
Two types deal with how to build a character through:
~Direct characterization
and
~ Indirect characterization
~Direct Characterization tells the audience about character’s personality.
~ Indirect Characterization shows and demonstrates aspects of the character to
reveal a personality.
More complex
(Defining Characterization)

4. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
5 Methods of Indirect:
Speech
Thoughts
Effect (on other characters and others toward the character)
Actions
Looks
~May rely on a more analytical approach
(Defining Characterization)

5. DIFFERENCES: DIRECT AND
INDIRECT
~Indirect, to most of us, seems more appealing that direct because it shows
rather than tells.
~Indirect = imaginative, paints more vivid images
(think symbolism/imagery)
Vs.
~Direct is needed at times and should not be disregarded
~Direct = telling to move the story forward and give more minuet but
important information; done in order to not break an action scene
(Ervin)

6. EXAMPLES
Direct:
“Jennifer was a shy, gentle young woman who listened to and observed others
often, but had little to say herself.”
Indirect:
“Jennifer, slumped in an old office chair, listened to the headmaster carefully
while keeping her head down and hands in her lap. Her face began to grow
heated as he voiced his opinions. She knew he was wrong about her, though
her mouth remained in a quivering pout, never to speak.”
~A clearer image of Jennifer’s character is given in the second rendition

7. TYPES OF CHARACTERS
~Now that you have a character in mind, what type are they?
Protagonist or Antagonist
Flat or Round
Flat shows one or two traits, stays fairly plain
Round shows many traits, a well-rounded character (more realistic)
Dynamic or Static
Dynamic changes and grows throughout the story
Static does not change
Stock
A stereotype
("Types of Characters in Fiction”)

8. EXISTENCE OF CHARACTERS
The short story “If It’s Love, It’s Not That Easy”
by Peter Christopher
~ Creates characters through the use of voicemail recordings, a news report,
bills, library notices, and a grocery receipt
~By only hearing one character talk twice, the reader knows both of the main
character’s personalities and purposes.
~A great use of indirect characterization to develop one static and one
dynamic characters
(Christopher)

9. CITATIONS
"characterization." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Apr. 2012.
<Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/characterization>.
Defining Characterization. ReadWriteThink, 2004. PDF.
Ervin, Terry W. "Fiction Factor - Direct vs. Indirect Characterization." Fiction Factor. Web.
13 Apr. 2012. <http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/characterization.html>.
Christopher, Peter. ""If It's Love, It's Not That Easy"" Web. 13 Apr. 2012. Print.
"Types of Characters in Fiction." Lexiconic Education Resources! Web. 13 Apr. 2012. <http:
learn.lexiconic.net/characters.htm>.