Characterization notes

Characterization Notes

What is characterization? Well, it refers to the various means by which an author describes and develops character. We've discussed how it is important to view to see how characters are "alive." So how do authors have their characters "come alive"? 

Here are a few ways:

describing characters' thoughts, emotions, physical appearance, family, culture, environment, actions, and conversations.

There are two types of characterization:

direct characterization- explicitly presenting information about the characters (telling the reader about the characters)

indirect characterization- depicting who characters are through their actions, values, words, thoughts, and feelings (showing the reader what a character is like).