character traits
how the characters think and act
direct characterization
a description of a character that consists of straightforward details that tell the reader about their character
indirect characterization
a description of a character in which the reader must infer character traits from information shown by the author
actions
the things a character does in a story
dialogue
written or spoken conversation between two or more people
round character
a character who is complex and often undergoes changes in his/her actions and thoughts (often the main character)
flat characters
a character with little individuality whose mindset the reader knows little about
foil
a character used in a story to emphasize another character's opposing traits
static character
a character that remains the same throughout the piece; shows no change
dynamic character
character that develops or changes substantially throughout a piece
sympathetic character
characters with whom the reader identifies or for whom the reader has favorable feelings
unsympathetic character
characters for whom the reader cannot identify or for whom the reader has strong feelings of dislike
tragedy
literature whose protagonist's flaws cause him tremendous suffering that eventually results in a catastrophe or disastrous conclusion
tragic hero
the protagonist in a tragedy
tragic flaw
the protagonist's most significant flaw in a tragedy that triggers his downfall
normative character
a plain character who models and articulates the author's ethics throughout the story
character motivation
the reason for how a character behaves
description
writing that seeks to aid the reader in seeing or feeling whatever the author is trying to convey
dramatic monologue
when a single character speaks to himself or another imaginary character