This document provides an overview of how to analyze characters in a story. It discusses determining whether a character is main or minor, dynamic or static, round or flat, and the protagonist or antagonist. It also provides guidance on interpreting characters by stating an opinion and backing it up with evidence from the story through paraphrasing, summarizing, or quoting. The document gives an example outline for analyzing specific characters like Mama, Dee, or Maggie and identifying what elements and evidence support that characterization.

1. What is Character? Part I J. Santoy

2. Character Analysis can discuss: Individuals in the story. Personality of those Individuals.

3. Part I: Analysis of Individual/Character MAJOR ELEMENTS include: Main/Minor Dynamic/Static Round/Flat Protagonist/Antagonist

4. Determining Main/Minor Character What is their role in the story? What is their function? Do they have a primary affect on the plot/events of the story? Are they passive/receiving the actions?

5. Determining Dynamic/Static Character Dynamic Character: Changes or Grows Static Character: Remains the same Ask: Does the character change or learn? What is the character like at the beginning? What is the character like at the end? Does he learn anything from the events?

6. Distinguishing Between Round/Flat Characters Round Characters Many sides to their personality Much more complex, seem more “real” More interesting to readers Flat Characters One-dimensional; only one side to their personality

7. Protagonist/Antagonist Protagonist (good guy) has a goal Must be a main character Antagonist (bad guy) has a goal; to stop protagonist Is usually a main character; essential to plot

8. Interpreting Character: How do I begin? Interpretation: What do I think about x? I.e. Your opinion? Evidence: Why do I think that? Details from the story Paraphrase, summary or quote

9. Character Analysis: Mama, Dee, or Maggie Protagonist/ Antagonist Round/Flat Dynamic/Static Interpretation Main/Minor Evidence Character Element

10. Character Analysis: Mama, Dee, or Maggie Character Elements Main/Minor III. Round/Flat Interpretation A. Interpretation Evidence B. Evidence Dynamic/Static IV. Protagonist/Antagonist A. Interpretation A. Interpretation B. Evidence B. Evidence

11. Character Analysis lets you: Determine Importance of Character Main/Minor Determine Function of Character Protagonist/Antagonist/Foil Determine Complexity of Character Round/Flat Dynamic/Static