Lesson 2: Characters and Characterization

📚 Literary Appreciation of Novels and Short Stories

🟦 Introduction
Every story needs people (or animals, or even objects!) that we care about. These are the characters, and they drive the plot forward. But it’s not enough to simply list characters—we must understand who they are, what motivates them, and how they change. That’s where characterization comes in. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to identify and analyze characters, and how writers bring them to life.

🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations

1. What Are Characters?

Characters are the people, animals, or beings that participate in the action of a story. They may be:

• Main (Central) Characters – The story revolves around them (e.g., Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart).

• Minor Characters – Support the main characters and help develop the plot.

• Static Characters – Stay the same throughout the story.

• Dynamic Characters – Change, grow, or learn by the end.

• Protagonist – The “hero” or main character.

• Antagonist – The character or force that opposes the protagonist.

✅ Example: In Oliver Twist, Oliver is the protagonist, while Bill Sikes and Fagin serve as antagonists.

2. What is Characterization?

Characterization is the method a writer uses to develop a character’s personality, background, and role in the story.

Two Types:

• Direct Characterization: The author tells you what a character is like.

  Example: “She was a kind and gentle woman.”

• Indirect Characterization: The reader learns about the character through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how others react to them.

  Example: “She helped the injured dog, whispering gently and wrapping its paw.”

3. Methods of Characterization

This method is often remembered using the acronym STEAL (Speech, Thoughts, Effects, Actions, Looks).

4. Flat vs. Round Characters

• Flat Character: Has one or two traits, usually predictable, not deeply developed.

  Example: A strict teacher who never smiles.

• Round Character: Complex, realistic, with multiple traits and emotional depth.

  Example: A mother who is both loving and flawed, trying her best despite challenges.

🧭 Sample Walkthrough: Character Study in Action

Excerpt:
“Mr. Mensah always sat alone at the back of the church, his eyes scanning the room but never settling. He greeted politely but rarely spoke beyond a whisper. The children called him ‘Ghost Man.’”

Analysis:

• Indirect Characterization (Looks & Actions): He sits alone, quiet, distant.

• Effect on Others: Children fear or avoid him—suggests mystery or social rejection.

• Round or Flat? He could be a round character, depending on what we later learn about him.

🟨 Practice Exercises

Exercise A: Identify Characterization

“Ama slammed the door and crossed her arms. ‘You never listen to me!’ she shouted, her eyes red with tears.”

Questions:

1. Is this direct or indirect characterization?

2. What do you learn about Ama from her actions and speech?

3. What kind of character is she—flat or round?

✅ Answers:

1. Indirect characterization.

2. She’s emotional, feels ignored, possibly frustrated or hurt.

3. Possibly round—shows complex emotions.

Exercise B: Flat vs. Round

Match each description to the correct character type.

✅ Answers:

• Greedy merchant – Flat

• Young girl – Round

• Obedient soldier – Flat

• Sad but funny father – Round

🔁 Recap

Let’s go over what you learned:

• Characters can be major or minor, static or dynamic, flat or round.

• Characterization is how authors reveal a character’s traits—either directly or indirectly.

• Use the STEAL method to analyze indirect characterization.

• Good characters feel real—they have flaws, motivations, and change over time.

🪞 Reflection Prompt

Think about a character from a novel or story you admire.

• What do you like about them?

• Were they static or dynamic?

• How did the author show who they really were—through direct or indirect characterization?