"Characterization or characterisation is the representation of characters (persons, creatures, or other beings) in narrative and dramatic works."
The process through which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character in a story.
Protagonist: The main character in a story, often with whom the reader identifies.
Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.
Round character: A character that is well-developed and complex, with a range of emotions and motivations.
Flat character: A character that is one-dimensional and simple, with limited development.
Dynamic character: A character that undergoes significant changes throughout the story, often as a result of the plot or conflict.
Static character: A character that remains unchanged and unchanging throughout the story.
Foil character: A character that serves as a contrast to another character, highlighting differences in personalities or worldviews.
Character arc: The transformation of a character throughout a story, often involving growth or change in beliefs, values, or actions.
Motivation: The reason or reasons why a character behaves in a certain way, often tied to their goals or desires.
Backstory: The history and experiences of a character before the events of the story, often used to explain their behavior or motivations.
Dialogue: The spoken or written words of characters, used to convey their personalities, emotions, and motivations.
Physical description: The appearance and physical characteristics of a character, often used to convey their personalities or emotions.
Symbolism: The use of objects or images to represent or suggest deeper meaning about a character or the story as a whole.
Irony: The use of language to convey the opposite of what is expected, often used to reveal something about a character's personality or situation.
Point of view: The perspective from which the story is told, often impacting characterization by determining which characters' thoughts and actions are highlighted.
Direct Characterization: This occurs when an author explicitly states a character’s traits, motivations, or backstory.
Indirect Characterization: In this type, an author uses actions, thoughts, and dialogue to reveal a character’s traits.
Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant changes throughout a story.
Static Character: A character who remains largely the same throughout a story.
Round Character: A character who is complex and multi-dimensional.
Flat Character: A character who is simplistic and one-dimensional.
Stock Character: This type of character is a stereotypical archetype that is familiar to readers. For example, the “damsel in distress” or “the hero” are types of stock characters.
Foil Character: A character who is used to highlight and contrast the personality traits of the protagonist.
Minor Character: A character who plays a small role in the story.
Protagonist: The main character in a story, often the hero or heroine.
Antagonist: The character who opposes or challenges the protagonist.
Supporting Character: A character who supports or aides the protagonist, but is not a major character.
Narrator: The person who tells the story.
Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told.
Voice: The tone, language, and style in which the story is written.
Setting: The time, place, and environment in which the story takes place.
Theme: The underlying message or meaning of the story.
Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces or characters.
Motivation: The reason a character behaves in a certain way.
Backstory: The history or past of a character, which affects their actions in the present.
"The term character development is sometimes used as a synonym."
"This representation may include direct methods like the attribution of qualities in description or commentary."
"Indirect (or 'dramatic') methods inviting readers to infer qualities from characters' actions, dialogue, or appearance."
"Such a personage is called a character."
"Character is a literary element."
"[...] the representation of characters (persons, creatures, or other beings) in narrative and dramatic works."
"Indirect (or 'dramatic') methods inviting readers to infer qualities from characters' actions, dialogue, or appearance."
"The attribution of qualities in description or commentary."
"Persons, creatures, or other beings."
"Direct methods" and "indirect (or 'dramatic') methods."
"Narrative and dramatic works."
"Indirect (or 'dramatic') methods inviting readers to infer qualities from characters' actions, dialogue, or appearance."
"The term character development is sometimes used as a synonym."
"Character is a literary element."
"Direct methods like the attribution of qualities in description or commentary."
"Persons, creatures, or other beings."
"Readers [are invited] to infer qualities from characters' actions, dialogue, or appearance."
"Indirect (or 'dramatic') methods."
"Narrative and dramatic works."