Appendix 3 – Student Handout: Characterization
What is Character?
Consider your favorite characters from Macbeth, Othello, and The Taming of the Shrew.
Write down a few reasons why you chose these characters.
How did Shakespeare develop these characters?
Characterization Defined
Characterization is the method used by a writer to develop a character.
The term characterization refers to the various means by which an author describes and develops the characters in a literary work.
Two types of characters
Round –a round character is one who usually changes or develops.
Flat – a flat character is a stock character; a stereotype like the hero or villain.
Note Details
Characterization is about a selection of details. Note the character traits.
Circumstances don't make the character.
How a character is revealed:
Showing a character's appearance
Displaying the character's actions
Revealing the character's thoughts
Letting the character speak
Getting the reactions of others
PLATA – a useful acronym
P – Perspectives (internal and external)
L – Language used by the character
A – Actions of the character
T – Thoughts of the character
A – Appearance (physical and environmental)
Verisimilitude
Truth
What a writer strives to do – how does the writer create a realistic character?
What should you write about?
Who is the central character, or who are the central characters?
What means has the author used to demonstrate their qualities?
To what extent are the characters defined by contrast with minor characters?
Do we understand the characters as types or as individuals? By their actions? Their speech? Their thoughts? (It may be useful for you to identify a single instance of action, speech or thought and ask in what ways it represents the character to whom it is attributed.)
Which of the characters are active and which are passive within the pattern of the play?
Does the play show growth or change of character? How much of the play's meaning depends on such growth or change?
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