We learn about characters in a story through various techniques that authors use to reveal their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
Direct Characterization
Authors directly tell us about a character's traits, thoughts, and feelings. This can be done through:
- Narrative Description: The narrator describes the character's physical appearance, personality, and background.
- Example: "He was a tall, thin man with a sharp nose and piercing blue eyes. He always wore a dark suit and carried a silver walking stick."
- Dialogue: Characters' conversations reveal their personalities, beliefs, and relationships.
- Example: "I don't trust him," said the woman. "He's always got a hidden agenda."
- Thoughts and Feelings: The author reveals a character's internal thoughts and feelings through internal monologue or stream of consciousness.
- Example: "She felt a pang of guilt as she watched the children playing. She had promised herself she would be a better mother."
Indirect Characterization
Authors reveal character traits through their actions, words, and interactions with others. This is called indirect characterization.
- Actions: A character's actions often reveal their personality and motivations.
- Example: A character who constantly helps others is likely kind and compassionate.
- Speech: The way a character speaks can reveal their education, social class, and personality.
- Example: A character who uses slang and informal language may be more casual and relaxed than someone who speaks formally.
- Interactions with Others: How a character interacts with other characters reveals their relationships and personality traits.
- Example: A character who is always arguing with others may be confrontational or aggressive.
Other Techniques
- Appearance: A character's physical appearance can provide clues about their personality.
- Example: A character who wears dark clothing and has a brooding expression may be seen as mysterious or even dangerous.
- Symbolism: Authors may use symbols to represent a character's personality or beliefs.
- Example: A character who is constantly surrounded by flowers may be seen as gentle and nurturing.
- Foreshadowing: Clues about a character's future actions or fate can be hinted at throughout the story.
- Example: A character who constantly talks about death may be foreshadowing their own demise.
By using a combination of these techniques, authors create complex and believable characters that readers can connect with and understand.
