Elements of Literature. Character Analysis

Transcription

1 Elements of Literature Character Analysis

2 Objectives 7.02.d TLW analyze elements orally and in writing (i.e., response to literature assignments) as explained and listed below: Main Characters (i.e., protagonist, antagonist, foil, as appropriate) Motivation (why they behave the way they behave) Relationships with other characters, and changes in the above-mentioned based on the plot (unfolding events in the story) Dialogue (how it illustrates characterization techniques of the author)

3 Terms to Know Character Main character Minor character Protagonist Antagonist Characterization Character Trait Foil Motivation

4 Character A character is a person or animal that takes part in the action of a literary work. For example: Victor is a character in Seventh Grade by Gary Soto or Roger is a character in Thank You Ma ma by Langston Huges. Usually a story focuses on the events surrounding one character the main character.

5 Character, Cont. Other characters minor characters interact with the main character and help move the story along. The main character in a story, play, or novel is called the protagonist. The protagonist is involved in the main conflict or the plot and often changes during the course of the story.

6 Character, Cont. An antagonist is a force working against the protagonist (main character). An antagonist can be another character, society, or a force within the main character. For example: In the Lion King, Simba is the protagonist and Scar is the antagonist.

7 Character, Cont. If the character does not change or changes just a little, it is called a static character. If a character changes significantly during the course of the story, it is called a dynamic character. Example: Simba would be considered a dynamic character.

8 Characterization Characterization refers to the method that a writer uses to develop characters traits. Writers may use many different methods of characterization, such as: Description of a character s physical appearance. A character s speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions.

9 Characterization, Cont. What other characters think or say about this character. The narrator s direct comments about a character. A character s relationship to another character. What causes a character to act or think in a certain way, their motivations.

10 Characterization, Cont. Character traits are the qualities or characteristics that describe a character. Some examples of words that describe a character s traits are affectionate, gallant, bold, honorable. The handout Character Traits A to Z gives you many more terms that can be used to describe a character s traits.

11 Characterization, Cont. In a story or play, occasionally one of the characters will be the narrator. The narrator sets the scene for the story and may comment on what happens. A foil is a character that provides a sharp contrast to the qualities of the main character. If the main character is lighthearted, the foil will be serious.

12 Activity Use the following questions to complete the character web handout. What does the character do? What does the character think? What does the character say? What do others (narrator, characters) say about the character? In order to find the answers to these questions quickly, look for the following clue words and phrases:

13 Activity, Cont. If you want to know what the character does, look for the following clue words: Verbs, which show action, such as: - ran - jumped - walked - hurried

14 Activity, Cont. If you want to know what a character thinks, look for the following clue words or phrases: - thought/think - believe - mused - pondered - wondered - considered - reflected - contemplated - felt

15 Activity, Cont. If you want to know what a character says (or other characters say about him/her), look for: - quotation marks ( ) - names of the characters Also, use the handout titled, Character Traits A-Z A to help you find adjectives to describe the character.

16 That s a Wrap A character is a person or animal that takes part in the action of a literary work. The main character in a story, play, or novel is called the protagonist. Minor characters interact with the main character and help move the story along.

17 That s a Wrap, Cont. An antagonist is a force working against the protagonist (main character). Characterization refers to the method that a writer uses to develop characters traits. Character traits are the qualities or characteristics that describe a character.

18 That s a Wrap, Cont. A foil is a character that provides a sharp contrast to the qualities of the main character. Motivations are the things cause a character to act or think in a certain way. Characters and characterization are vital literary element in the development of the plot in a story.