Character

This page has resources to help you understand and analyze characterization in a literary work.

APELC Skill - Essential Knowledge & Skills

What is characterization? - brief explanation & resource

Analyzing Characterization

• Direct vs. Indirect - STEAL

• Round vs. Flat

• Dynamic vs. Static

Words for Describing Characteristics

Words to describe a character, narrator or speaker's tone & attitude

Words that describe behavior

Literary Terminology related to characterization

Character Development

• https://jerryjenkins.com/character-development/

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-tips-for-character-development 

Ways to Keep Track of Characters

• Make a list of characters - see this Crime and Punishment example List of Characters

Activities for Character Analysis

• "Fakebook" Character Sketch

Character Arc: phases of growth that a character experiences during the course of the story

12 Common Character Archetypes

from https://literarydevices.net/archetype/: 

Lover: character guided by emotion and passion of the heart

Hero: protagonist that rises to a challenge

Outlaw: character that is rebellious or outside societal conventions or demands

Magician: powerful character that understands and uses universal forces

Explorer: character that is driven to explore the unknown and beyond boundaries

Sage: character with wisdom, knowledge, or mentor qualities

Creator: visionary character that creates something significant

Innocent: “pure” character in terms of morality or intentions

Caregiver: supportive character that often sacrifices for others

Jester: Character that provides humor and comic relief with occasional wisdom

Everyman: Character recognized as average, relatable, found in everyday life

Ruler: Character with power of others, whether in terms of law or emotion

Character & Plot Development

• Each scene in a novel does one of two things: advance the plot or deepen understanding of the characters

• 5 character questions to keep in mind

  • • What does the character want?

    • Why can't they get it?

    • What will they do about it?

    • Why doesn't it work out?

    • How will it end?

from How to Keep Readers Glued to Every Page of Your Book with Microplotting - lecture by John Claude Bemis presented by Authors Publish