Characterization refers to how an author develops fictional characters in a story. There are two main methods of characterization: direct characterization, where the author explicitly describes the character; and indirect characterization, where the reader understands the character through their actions. Characters can also be dynamic, changing over the course of the story in response to events, or static, remaining the same. Well-developed characters are considered "round" or complex, while simpler characters are "flat" or defined by only one or two traits.

1. Characterization

2. What is Characterization? The way an author creates and develops a fictional individual in a work. In literature the goal of characterization is to explore human psychology and motivation.

3. Creating a Character Direct Characterization Use of explicit detail to describe a character either through exposition by a narrator or through the words of characters in the story. Example: “In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands.” (Everyday Use, p.174) “Dee wanted nice things.” (Everyday Use, p. 175)

4. Creating a Character Indirect Characterization The use of actions or implication to detail a character. The reader understands the character through what the character says or does. Example: (Everyday Use) We know from the way Mama has cleaned up and her fantasy that she feels inferior to her daughter Dee. We know that Dee is pretentious and not a good daughter from the way she treats her mother.

5. Creating a Character Dynamic Character A character who through an experience or epiphany undergoes a distinct change of character, personality or outlook. It must be consistent with the individual’s characterization as dramatized in the story. It must be sufficiently motivated by the circumstances in which the character is placed. The story must offer sufficient time for the change to take place and still be believable.

6. Creating a Character Static Character A character who is essentially the same person from the beginning of the story to the end.

7. Creating a Character Round Character A complex, and many-sided character demonstrating multiple personality traits. The round character has the three-dimensional quality of a real person. Example Huck Finn Holden Caulfield

8. Creating a Character Flat Character A character who has one or two dominant personality traits. Examples: Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” is miserly but little else. Dee in “Everyday Use” is pretentious and snobbish but we know little else about her.

9. Creating a Character Stock Character A special kind of flat character in which the author utilizes stereotypes to create the character The crazy scientist The brilliant detective The glamorous spy