Characterization

Introduction

Characterization is a literary device that involves the creation and development of characters in a story. Through characterization, writers provide details about a character’s personality, appearance, thoughts, actions, and interactions with other characters. This device is essential for creating complex, relatable, and believable characters that drive the plot and engage readers.

Pronunciation

kar-ik-ter-uh-ZAY-shuhn

How Writers Use Characterization

Writers use characterization to:

  • Develop Characters: Build multifaceted characters with distinct personalities.
  • Advance the Plot: Characters’ actions and decisions move the story forward.
  • Reveal Themes: Characters’ experiences and growth can reflect the story’s themes.
  • Create Emotional Connections: Well-developed characters evoke empathy and interest from readers.
  • Enhance Realism: Detailed characterization makes characters and stories more believable.

Types of Characterization

TypeDescriptionExample
Direct CharacterizationThe author explicitly describes a character’s traits.“She was a kind and gentle woman with a heart of gold.”
Indirect CharacterizationThe author shows a character’s traits through their actions, thoughts, speech, and interactions.“She always offered a smile and a helping hand to those in need.”
Dynamic CharacterizationFocuses on characters who undergo significant change.Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Static CharacterizationFocuses on characters who remain largely unchanged.Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Round CharacterizationBuilds complex characters with multiple traits and depths.Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Flat CharacterizationFocuses on simple characters with few traits.Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Rules of Characterization

RuleDescription
Show, Don’t TellUse indirect characterization to show traits through actions and dialogue.
ConsistencyEnsure characters’ behaviors align with their established traits and backgrounds.
Depth and ComplexityDevelop multi-dimensional characters with varied traits and motivations.
BelievabilityCreate realistic characters that readers can relate to.
Growth and DevelopmentAllow characters to evolve and grow throughout the story.

Examples of Characterization in Different Media

Characterization in Literature

TitleAuthorExample
To Kill a MockingbirdHarper LeeScout Finch – Described both directly as curious and indirectly through her actions and thoughts.
The Great GatsbyF. Scott FitzgeraldJay Gatsby – Revealed through his lavish parties and mysterious background.
Pride and PrejudiceJane AustenElizabeth Bennet – Developed through her interactions, thoughts, and changing attitudes.

Characterization in Children’s Books

TitleAuthorExample
Harry Potter SeriesJ.K. RowlingHarry Potter – Characterized through his bravery, loyalty, and the trials he faces.
Charlotte’s WebE.B. WhiteCharlotte – Shown as wise and caring through her actions and words to save Wilbur.
MatildaRoald DahlMatilda – Developed as intelligent and determined through her actions and interactions.

Characterization in Poetry

PoemPoetExample
The Love Song of J. Alfred PrufrockT.S. EliotJ. Alfred Prufrock – Revealed through his introspective monologue and insecurities.
The RavenEdgar Allan PoeThe narrator – Characterized by his despair and obsession with the raven.
My Last DuchessRobert BrowningThe Duke – Revealed through his speech about his late wife, showing his controlling nature.

Characterization in Songs

SongArtistExample
StanEminemStan – Developed through his letters, showing his increasing obsession and desperation.
JoleneDolly PartonJolene – Described through the singer’s plea, highlighting her beauty and impact.
Eleanor RigbyThe BeatlesEleanor Rigby – Characterized by her loneliness and mundane life through the lyrics.

Characterization in Movies

MovieSceneExample
The GodfatherOpening SceneVito Corleone – Introduced as powerful and respected through his interactions and decisions.
Forrest GumpLife StoryForrest Gump – Developed through his life story, showing his simplicity and integrity.
The Dark KnightJoker Interrogation SceneThe Joker – Revealed as chaotic and unpredictable through his actions and dialogue.

YouTube Links:

  1. The Godfather – Opening Scene
  2. Forrest Gump – Life Story
  3. The Dark Knight – Joker Interrogation Scene

Characterization in Advertising

AdvertisementCompanyExample
Old SpiceOld SpiceThe Man Your Man Could Smell Like – Characterized as confident and humorous, appealing to both men and women.
GEICOGEICOThe GEICO Gecko – Shown as witty and approachable, representing the insurance company.
Dos EquisDos EquisThe Most Interesting Man in the World – Depicted as adventurous and charismatic, promoting the beer brand.

YouTube Links:

  1. Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
  2. GEICO – The GEICO Gecko
  3. Dos Equis – The Most Interesting Man in the World

FAQs about Characterization

What is characterization in literature?

Characterization in literature is the process by which an author develops and reveals a character’s personality, traits, and motivations through various techniques, including direct description, actions, thoughts, and interactions with other characters.

How does direct characterization differ from indirect characterization?

Direct characterization explicitly describes a character’s traits, while indirect characterization reveals traits through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions, allowing readers to infer the character’s qualities.

Can characterization be used in all types of writing?

Yes, characterization can be applied in various types of writing, including literature, poetry, songs, movies, and advertising, to create vivid and memorable characters that engage the audience.

Why is characterization important in writing?

Characterization is crucial because it helps to create believable and relatable characters, advances the plot, reveals themes, and fosters emotional connections between the audience and the characters.

Related Devices

Protagonist

The main character who drives the story forward and often undergoes significant development.

Antagonist

The character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in the story.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities and traits.

Flat Character

A simple, one-dimensional character with limited development and depth.

Round Character

A well-developed character with a complex personality, often exhibiting growth and change throughout the story.

Index