BJU Fundamentals of Literature: Unit 2

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