Characterization

From Gordian Plot

Characterization is the process of conveying information about characters in fiction. Characters are usually presented through their actions, dialog, and thoughts, as well as by description. Characterization can include a variety of aspects of a character, such as appearance, age, gender, educational level, vocation or occupation, financial status, marital status, social status, cultural background, hobbies, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ambitions, motivations, personality, etc.

character thesaurus

Character development

A well-developed character is one that has been thoroughly characterized, with many traits shown in the narrative. The better the audience knows the character, the better the character development. Thorough characterization makes characters well-rounded and complex. This allows for a sense of realism. In contrast, an underdeveloped character is considered flat or stereotypical.

Character development is very important in character-driven literature, where stories focus not on events, but on individual personalities. Classic examples include War and Peace or David Copperfield. Modern examples include the Harry Potter series, which exemplifies bildungsroman where an adolescent character comes of age. In a tragedy, the central character generally remains fixed with whatever character flaw (hamartia) seals his fate; in a comedy the central characters typically undergo some kind of epiphany (sudden realization) whereupon they adjust their erratic beliefs and practices, and avert a tragic fate. Historically, stories focusing on characters became common as part of the 19th century Romantic movement, and character-driven literature rapidly supplanted more plot-driven literature that typically utilizes easily identifiable archetypes rather than character development.

Direct vs. indirect characterization

Basically there are two ways an author can convey information about a character:

Direct or explicit characterization: The author literally tells the audience what a character is like. This may be done via the narrator, another character or by the character him or herself.
Indirect or implicit characterization: The audience must deduce for themselves what the character is like through the character's thoughts, actions, speech (choice of words, way of talking), looks and interaction with other characters, including other characters’ reactions.

this page is a central page on this site, it needs more links to other articles on character. see the character category at the bottom of the page.