Characterization: What makes a character dynamic/complex?
Five Major Methods of Characterization
1. Physical Description
2. Character's Actions (effects of, motivation behind)
3. Character's Dialogue (multiple meaning)
4. Character's Thoughts/Emotions
5. Character's Relationship With/Reaction To Other Characters
1. Physical Description
2. Character's Actions (effects of, motivation behind)
3. Character's Dialogue (multiple meaning)
4. Character's Thoughts/Emotions
5. Character's Relationship With/Reaction To Other Characters
Take notes in your composition book as you watch. Pause when needed. This is meant to be viewed at your own pace.
Pay close attention to the characterization chart on the last slide.
Activity Instructions: You will be looking for examples from your novel that pertain to the character you chose (or were assigned). You will also identify the following for your character (as recommended by novelist Connie Flynn:
Spine–Give your character a strong central trait that is somewhat stereotypical. Pick something that can be defined in two to four words. For protagonists, this spine will lean toward the admirable. Villains get a spine that leans toward the despicable.
Supporting Trait–Next, add a supporting trait that’s consistent with the spine. This can be a value, a preference, or a method of expressing oneself. Devoted to family, loves the outdoors, bouncy and outgoing are examples of what can be used.
Fatal Flaw–Give your central characters a fatal flaw. While greed, envy, vanity and the rest of the seven deadly sins are perfect flaws for villains, virtues carried to extreme usually works best for protagonists. For instance, a nurturing nature can become controlling or smothering. A lighthearted attitude can become irresponsibility. If a more deadly flaw is chosen, it must be well motivated.
Shadow–Last, give the character a shadow (suppressed) trait that is kept under tight wraps because it contradicts the major personality traits. The shadow makes room for character growth. As it surfaces, it aids the hero in overcoming the fatal flaw or turning it to his advantage. Furthermore, it rounds out his personality by correcting the imbalance that has stopped him from achieving his goal. Essentially, the shadow is the means for the character’s redemption.
Pay close attention to the characterization chart on the last slide.
Activity Instructions: You will be looking for examples from your novel that pertain to the character you chose (or were assigned). You will also identify the following for your character (as recommended by novelist Connie Flynn:
Spine–Give your character a strong central trait that is somewhat stereotypical. Pick something that can be defined in two to four words. For protagonists, this spine will lean toward the admirable. Villains get a spine that leans toward the despicable.
Supporting Trait–Next, add a supporting trait that’s consistent with the spine. This can be a value, a preference, or a method of expressing oneself. Devoted to family, loves the outdoors, bouncy and outgoing are examples of what can be used.
Fatal Flaw–Give your central characters a fatal flaw. While greed, envy, vanity and the rest of the seven deadly sins are perfect flaws for villains, virtues carried to extreme usually works best for protagonists. For instance, a nurturing nature can become controlling or smothering. A lighthearted attitude can become irresponsibility. If a more deadly flaw is chosen, it must be well motivated.
Shadow–Last, give the character a shadow (suppressed) trait that is kept under tight wraps because it contradicts the major personality traits. The shadow makes room for character growth. As it surfaces, it aids the hero in overcoming the fatal flaw or turning it to his advantage. Furthermore, it rounds out his personality by correcting the imbalance that has stopped him from achieving his goal. Essentially, the shadow is the means for the character’s redemption.