Intro to characterization fd
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This document provides guidance for two essays on literary elements, focusing on character. It recommends choosing either plot, character, narration, point of view, or setting for the first essay, and comparing how two pieces use the same element for the second essay. Students considering a business major involving people are encouraged to analyze character. Extended options allow discussing a second element or piece for extra points. Questions are provided to help analyze characters and their development for the essays.
Intro to characterization fd
- 1. What happened to you Mr. White? If the character and their motives are believable, we follow the plot. For. Years.
- 2. Use Lectures in Essays In Essay #1,* due at the end of Week 4, respond to one piece from Weeks 1-4. Then show how one literary element relates to your reactions. In Essay #2,^ compare and contrast how 2 pieces use an element. For both essays, choose from plot, character, narration, point of view or setting. Only one element needed, but know that one well. Use what you learn in this lecture and the reading to write a meaningful essay. Do you tend to be interested in what makes people tick? Is your major business related to helping or managing people? Then Character might be a good element for you to work with, either in the first or the second essay. *Extended Essay 1 Option: Discuss a 2nd element for up to 25 extra points. To earn the full 25, cover the 2nd element in depth. ^Extended Essay 2 options: Discuss a 2nd element or a 3rd piece for up to 25 extra points. To earn the full 25, cover the 2nd element or 3rd piece in depth. But all attempts will earn some extra points. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 2
- 3. The Challenge Writers have a real challenge. With words alone they try to create characters who are distinguishable from each other and consistent. But they have to be interesting too, which means they have to change. That change must be believable. And so we need to know their motives and to see deep enough into their hearts and minds to believe they can change. Writers are psychologists, philosophers, sociologists and historians all rolled into one. Critics are still studying and readers still enjoying Jane Austin. Because she made it seem easy. Other writers hate that. Not really. Well on some days, really. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 3
- 4. Plot and Character not working together TV plots rich in action & carnage can interfere with plausible character development. Those dramatic and deadly finales boost ratings though. In TV, plot is often king (and sits on the iron throne). But many viewers critique TV shows based on how believable the characters are. And they may not like it when a character changes suddenly to suit the plot. Walking Dead fans joke that if a character suddenly becomes much more sympathetic and likable, they have a week to live. Maybe two. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 4 In the episodes before she dies, Andrea from The Walking Dead got a quick character make-over. Re- united with the group that had left her behind, she was risking her life to protect them from “The Governor.” We loved her again. Her last scene was all the more tragic and dramatic.
- 5. The Inciting Incident opens the door to character change As the Intro to Plot lecture mentioned, Stephen King said he starts his books by simply putting a character in a situation. Breaking Bad opens with a high school teacher receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. This inciting incident starts the ball rolling on massive changes in his life. For the older brother in “Sonny’s Blues,” it is learning that his brother has been arrested. For Connie, in “Where are You Going…” it’s a man who claims to know everything about her showing up at the door. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 5 A stranger can show up and change everything. A problem or threat can bring out a person’s core. Creative writers like to explore how that happens. To them the human heart is like a deep cave or an unexplored planet. Go with them. What will you find?
- 6. Motive, Free Will & Character Fans of Breaking Bad enjoyed debating Mr. White’s true motives. He turned to dealing drugs because he wanted to leave something for his family. But does he continue in the criminal life for that reason? Or does he enjoy the excitement and power? Did the diagnosis bring out a hidden part of him? That’s part of what makes him interesting. We wonder who he is at his core – a caring father and husband, or a bold battler who loves living on the edge? Or somehow both. What makes a person change, or resist change? How do different people deal with crisis, threat, opportunity and gifts? Do we discover ourselves or make ourselves as we deal with life’s hills and valleys? Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 6
- 7. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 7 Names & nicknames Names suggest character. Darth Vader. Heisenberg. Walter White. Albus Dumbledore. Mary Poppins. Squeakie. Maxson. Krogstad. Gradgrind. Arnold Friend (ironic?). Performers may change their names to fit the public persona they want to present. John Legend was born John Stephens. Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson. Action under pressure The way a character deals with obstacles & conflicts reveals much, maybe even to the character themselves, as is true with life. Thoughts In fiction, some types of narration let us hear characters’ thoughts. In plays, monologues may do the same. We learn of fears, doubts, hopes, dreams, biases, delusions, realizations, etc. Physical appearance “Physical descriptions can indicate important inner qualities” (Meyer 115) as well as emotional states: a smile, a laugh, a blush, a nervous tic, posture, clothes, body language. What others say The narrator may tell us what to think of a character. (This is more common in 19th Century Lit, when values were clear and agreed upon.) Other characters opinions and reactions tell us a lot too. Influences In memories or flashbacks we learn who & what shaped a character. The Main Ways Writers Bring Characters to Life
- 8. And of course facial expressions Viola Davis in the Fences Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 8
- 9. Find a Face For 10 Bonus Points, locate in any piece we’ve read so far a good description of a character’s facial expressions and/or body language. Here is Charles Dickens judgmental, value-laden description of the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge: Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind-stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dogdays; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 9
- 10. Types of Characters Open to interpretation and debate (in an essay perhaps) The Type Description Examples Dynamic/ Round “Undergoes some kind of change because of the action of the plot” (Meyers). Interesting. They raise questions we want answered. May surprise. Troy Maxson, Rose Maxson, Cory, Torvald, Nora, Krogstad (?) Static/Flat Does not change. Could still be interesting. May have one or two qualities easily summarized. May change somewhat but not surprise. Gabriel, Dr. Rank, Mrs. Linde, Bono, Forrest Gump (?) A Foil A static character who provides a contrast to another character (usually a dynamic one). Jim Bono, Dr. Rank, Mrs. Linde Stock Stereotypes, usually in “formula” fiction (e.g., detective, romance, sci-fi). The tough cop, mean boss, goofy grandparent, loyal servant, sadistic drill sergeant, snarky android. With of a good writer / actor stock characters can come alive. Helene the maid, Anne- Marie the “nurse” (nanny) Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 10
- 11. Character Questions for Essay #1 a Response Essay • Did you expect to be un/interested in the characters? What changed that? • Did the characters remind me of anyone in your life? It’s fine to include a Reflection section about that if it had an impact on your response. • Did a character’s choice surprise you? Were their motives clear, believable? • Was there a minor character who played a key role? • What characterization methods does this author rely on? • What scene most reveals the main character’s heart? • Who changes the most? Why? Who fails to change? • Did you disagree with the class about any character? That’s interesting. (Use the essay to explain how you see it). • Did you ever feel you were in a character’s mind? Where? (Quote a spot.) How did the writer do that? Also see “Questions about Character” on page 138 Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 11
- 12. Character Questions Essay #2 a Compare-Contrast Essay • Looking at slide 11. what types of characters are in your 2 pieces? • Looking at slide 7, what characterization methods do your 2 pieces use most? • In which piece did the characters feel more believable? Why? (Pinpoint a scene.) • How are the main characters of the two pieces the same? Different? • Is there a foil character in each who helps highlight the main characters’ qualities? (Your whole essay could focus on foil characters.) • How much are the characters shaped by their time and place? Who is the most affected by setting? The least? Why? Is there enoughto say about setting to use it for an extended essay extra 25 points? • What’s obstacles or conflicts reveal the main characters’ true self? • Which ending was more plausible, based on what we know of the characters? • Is there a character in a piece I know well who reminds me of the characters in my main pieces? Can I bring in that 3rd piece for up to 25 Bonus Points? (All media qualify: Books, films, TV series, story-driven video games, etc.) Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 12
- 13. Bonus Opportunity Use the information on Slide 7 to analyze your favorite fictional character (from any genre or medium). Give at least 2 specific examples. If using prose, quotes appreciated. For up to 20 Bonus Points, make a chart as on Slide 10 of the characters in a book, TV series, or film / film franchise that you know well. If you feel you need a new category, make it and briefly explain it. Introduction to Character. ENGL 151L 13