Narrative Writing
Developing Characters
The techniques an author uses to develop the personality of a character are called characterization. An author can give information about a character by describing several aspects of the character such as: physical appearance; speech, behavior, and actions; thoughts and feelings; as well as interactions with other characters. Round characters are fully developed. The writer reveals the character's background and his or her personality traits both good and bad. A flat character has few personality traits and little, if any, personal history. A dynamic character changes in the course of the story. A static character does not change.
1. Use the Character Development Sheet to describe a character you will use as the protagonist in your narrative. Think about how you will develop a round, dynamic character.
2. Put your self in this character's shoes. Introduce your character (pretend you're the character) to a group.
3. After your presentation, each person in the group will write two questions for your character.
4. Choose at least 5 questions that will help develop a stronger, more dynamic character.
5. Answer the questions. Pass in the questions and answers along with your Character Development Sheet. These will be returned to you.
6. Keep all this information about the main character in mind as you write the narrative.