Character

Definition of Characterization

Characterization is the act of creating and describing characters in literature. Characterization includes both descriptions of a character’s physical attributes as well as the character’s personality. The way that characters act, think, and speak also adds to their characterization. There are two subsets of the definition of characterization: direct and indirect characterization. 

Role of Characterization in Literature

Fiction of the past 500 years (think Shakespeare) has greatly depended on the quality of its characters. Authors use characters to show theme, insight, and provide a connection between the reader and the work. Dialogue is very important because, not only does it move the plot, but it shows behavior, thoughts, reactions, motives and personality of the characters. 

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Characterization Terms

Explicit or direct
impliciet or indirect
Stock or flat characters

Examples of Characterization

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Online dating profiles
Obituaries
Police line ups
Gatsby and Daisy from The Great Gatsby
Hamlet
Public's view or Media's presentation of celebrities (Taylor Swift or Mike Tyson)
Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory (stock)