Characterization, Setting

and POV
Using text and inference to establish place and time and
increase understanding
 Character vs.
Characterization
Character is someone or something involved in the main
elements of the story and can offer action or insight into
the events of the story

Characterization is how the character is portrayed.

Thoughts, actions, how other characters think of or
respond
Types of Characterization
Direct
Author uses cues to supply the
reader with a specific picture of
the character (moral
representation) of a character
(Characters character)
Example: Some versions of
Poes The Masque of the Red
Death he specifically states
Prince Prospero is a devil or
Satan worshipper; Maupassant
specifically said Mme. Loisel
was selfish and self-centered.
Indirect
Author allows the reader to
experience the events of the
story and draw their own
conclusions of a Characters
character
Example: No explanation is
offered except for dialogue
between two characters; a
character is portrayed as
pushing another down in the
hallway
 Flat vs. Round
Flat Round
One dimensional Three dimensional
Character is limited Character is a complete
pictured and as complicated as
See one side or characteristic of you and me
the character
Identify with the character
Probably will not change over
the course of the story/novel Enough information to
determine flaws or virtues

http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Round+and+Flat+Characters
 Static vs. Dynamic
Static Dynamic
Stays the same Changes as a result of the
events in the story
Limited portrayal in story and
does not allow for change or Portrayed early in one way and
growth develops over the time the story
covers and as a result of events
Uninteresting and serve a in the plot
specific purpose related to the
plot and main character(s) Typically the main character(s)
and changes are clearly
explained

http://sheehy-english.wikispaces.com/Static+and+Dynamic+Characters
 Effects of
Characterization
Direct
Reader is told how to think or
feel
No need for interpretation
May allow for character
change; may be a steadfast
character
Few differences in how the
character is interpreted
Indirect
Reader can draw their own
conclusions
Reader uses own moral
compass to determine the
character of a character
Characterization is arguable
with supporting evidence
 Why does it matter?
Knowing the characters:
Draws the reader in deeper
Generates emotional connections and invests the reader
Builds understanding and can be an authors bread and
butter
Deepens the effects of POV
Can push the reader to examine or redefine their own
beliefs or values
 Setting
More than place and time
Location and date can be important, but it needs to go
beyond
Many effective stories are not set on a specific date in one
singular location (A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far
away; Harry Potter has no specific dates and jumps
locations several times per book)
 Beyond Place and Time
Authors create more rich settings by:
Using sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste, and
smell)
Make allusions and ties to familiar while also creating rich
and vivid details
Draw on realistic or common locations, but offer details
from the perspective of the character(s)
Focus as much development on the setting as the
characters
 Setting As Character
Can setting be a character?

What value does setting offer that can give it a life of its
own and be considered a character?

How can setting evolve throughout a storyline in similar

patterns as characters?
 Effect of Setting
Gives the reader a fully developed image of the
characters environment

DIRECTLY influences the characters

actions and can play a role in the development of plot
points

Without setting there is little frame of reference for the

reader and leaves the story feeling incomplete (readers
mind wonders)
 Point of View
Four types:
1st person
2nd person
3rd person limited
3rd person omniscient
 1st Person
I, me, my statements

Only get the opinion of the character or those trusted by

the character

Narrator is typically the round, dynamic character

Bias

Limits feelings about other characters and forces many

of them into flat, static territory
 2nd Person
You, your statements

Forces the reader to actively participate in the

story/novel and relies on the readers instincts or
thoughts

Events presented that readers are unfamiliar with will

leave them confused or disinterested

Difficult perspective to write from

Most popular/common occurrence is in Choose Your

Own Adventure stories
 3rd Person Limited
He, She, him, her, his, they, them statements

Narrator is NOT involved in the events of the story

Can be told from another place and time

Does not offer insight into ALL characters thoughts or

feelings

May follow one character intensively while mentioning

others at times to further the plot (Harry Potter)
 3rd Person Omniscient
He, she, him, her, his, they, them statements

Narrator is NOT involved in the story

No sense of time and place beyond the characters

Offers information into the thoughts, feelings and

experiences of ALL main characters, but frequently
focuses on a singular character the others orbit OR
jumps between characters through organized chapters or
textual cues
 Effects of POV
POV can leave the reader predisposed to the authors
opinion

Allows the author to participate in direct or indirect

characterization to advance the plot
Consider Twilight, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games
 Elements Together
Characters are affected by the setting

Readers interpretations are affected by the type

characterizations provided

Setting details can be determined by the POV of the

work (1st person will set a limited setting, 3rd person will
create a rich and full picture)

Setting can be a factor in the characterization (Harry

Potter)
 Where we will begin
Characterization

Assignment:
Watch or refer to one television show or movie and
determine the type of character the main characters are.
Provide evidence to support your assertion. Use the graph
provided.