The way an author presents a character is called characterization.

UpStudy Free Explanation:

Characterization

Characterization is generally taken to be the process through which an author brings out the personality, traits, and qualities of a character in his story. There are two main types of characterization:

1. Direct Characterization:

That's when the author tells the audience straight away what the character is like. This can be through:

- Narration: The author describes the character explicitly.

- Example: "John was a brave and adventurous boy."

- Other Characters: Another character in the story describes them.

- Example: "Sarah always said that Jane was the smartest person she knew."

2. Indirect Characterization:

That is when the author reveals character characteristics by things they do, say, think, the way they look, or through their interactions with other characters. This approach is subtler since it requires the reader to make inferences on the character. This can be done through:

- Speech: What does the character say and how do they speak?

- Example: "I would never lie to you," she said, looking him straight in the eye.

- Thoughts: What is revealed through the character's private thoughts and feelings?

- Example: He wondered if he could really trust anyone after what had happened.

- Effect on Others: How do other characters react to them?

- Example: People always felt at ease around her, drawn to her warm smile.

- Actions: What does the character do? How do they behave?

- Example: He jumped into the river without hesitation to save the drowning puppy.

- Looks: What does the character look like? How do they dress?

- Example: Her eyes were always hidden behind thick, round glasses, giving her a mysterious air.

Why is Characterization Important?

- Engages the Reader: Well-developed characters are interesting and relatable, making readers more invested in the story.

- Advances the Plot: Characters' actions and decisions drive the story forward.

- Reveals Themes: Through characters' journeys, authors can explore deeper themes and messages.

Examples of Characterization in Literature:

- Harry Potter: J.K. Rowling uses both direct and indirect characterization to bring Harry and other characters to life. For example, Harry's bravery is shown through his actions (facing Voldemort) and is also mentioned by other characters.

- Sherlock Holmes: Arthur Conan Doyle often directly characterizes Holmes through Dr. Watson's descriptions, but Holmes' deductive skills and quirks are shown through his actions and speech.

Explanation for other terms

Theme

A theme is the central subject or topic on which a text, be it a book or any piece of writing, is based. It is what an accurate writing is all about; that is, beyond the plot at its face. Themes can include general concepts like love, power, betrayal struggles in identity, or war impacts.

Examples of Themes:

- Love and Friendship: Explored in novels like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

- Good vs. Evil: A central theme in "Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling.

- Courage and Heroism: Prominent in "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien.

- The American Dream: Examined in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Personification

Personification is the attribution of human characteristics, ambitions, feelings, or behavior in general to animals, inanimate beings, or abstract notions. It makes the descriptions livelier and annoys the personalization of what is said better.

Examples of Personification:

- Animals: "The wind whispered through the trees."

- Inanimate Objects: "The car groaned as it climbed the steep hill."

- Abstract Concepts: "Time flies when you're having fun."

Perspective

Perspective is a lens through which the story takes place in a work of literature—the point of view of the narrator and the way a man speaks about the world and feels within the setting. There are several types of narrative perspectives:

Types of Perspectives:

- First Person: The story is narrated by a character within the story, using "I" or "we."

- Example: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (narrated by Scout Finch).

- Second Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly using "you," making the reader a character in the story.

- Example: "Choose Your Own Adventure" books.

- Third Person Limited: The narrator is outside the story and focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.

- Example: "Harry Potter" series (mostly from Harry's perspective).

- Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows all the thoughts, actions, and feelings of all characters.

- Example: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

- Third Person Objective: The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without inner thoughts or feelings.

- Example: "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway.

How These Elements Work Together:

- Characterization shapes how we perceive the characters.

- Themes provide the underlying messages of the story.

- Personification adds depth and vividness to descriptions.

- Perspective determines how the story is experienced by the reader.