Characterization Terms

Direct Characterization

Playwright literally tells the audience what a character is like via a narrator, another character, or by the character himself. This may create some skepticism.

Indirect Characterization

The audience determines what a character is like through the character's actions, speech, appearance, and interaction with other characters. This draws the audience in as the character is slowly revealed throughout the play.

Protagonist

The main character around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with who the audience identifies. Often they have the most at stake.

Antagonist

A character that stands in direct opposition to the protagonist, acting as on obstacle to the protagonist's dramatic need. Not every play will have one of these.

Confidant(e)

A character the Protagonist or antagonist talks to, thus revealing exposition to the audience; a sidekick.

Foil

A confidant(e) specifically designed to act in contrast to the antagonist or protagonist; often comic.

Narrator

Sometimes exists outside the plot, sometimes is a character in the story.

Choral Character

A character whose role is to comment on the actions of the main characters.

Static

A character that does not change, grow, or mature during the course of the play.

Dynamic

A character that changes, grows, or matures during the course of the play.

Flat

A character with one clearly defined trait.

Round

A character with various traits; some of them contradictory.

Stock

A character that is immediately recognizable to the audience by its adherence to a cultural or behavioral archetype.

Personal Demon

Every single one of us has one. We struggle with it our entire lives.

Hamartia

All tragic heroes have a flaw--a negative character trait that will ultimately lead to their downfall. A person's character is his destiny.

Catharsis

With a tragedy, the suffering of the protagonist affects the audience and leads to ________. --The feeling of release after the dramatic tension of watching a tragedy. There is a similar release in comedy.

Anagnorisis

A moment when a main character has a realization or makes a signifigant discovery regarding the conflict, a truth about the past, a truth about themselves; epiphany

The Chief

Nothing stops him. He organizes everything well, is concerned with function--not fluff--and is motivated and confident.

Bad Boy

Every schoolgirl's fantasy, and every father's nightmare. Always gets the blame regardless. Makes good use of his wits, always has a friend in "the business" and falls deeply in love.

Best Friend

There to lend a hand, but sometimes he fails to realize that he needs to take the lead. A gentleman, comfortable with himself, and easy to get along with.

Charmer

Makes you believe in fairy tales and happy ever after, unfortunately he is not always there for the ever after part. Makes friend easily, and has terrific enthusiasm.

Lost Soul

Endlessly relives his mistakes, but still looks forward to a better life. Creative and complex. He is tortured by the past. He is a man of few words and appreciative of beauty.

Professor

Trust him to find the solution, but do not expect any explanations. They would be too hard to understand anyway. A genius in at least one field of experience. Persistent, thorough, and thinks outside the box.

Swashbuckler

He roller-coasters through life, and he rarely stops to let dizzy riders off. He lives for today. He is enthusiastic, adventurous and fun loving.

Warrior

A man of Mettle who carries a sword of justice, but that sword cuts both ways. He must right all wrongs. He is lionhearted, focused, resolute, and idealistic.

Boss

Values getting ahead and winning the game, but when it comes to personal relationships, she is at a loss. Self-assured, highly organized, and an achiever.

Seductress

Has a bad reputation with the girls, but that never bothers the men. Independent and smart, she is able to size up people quickly and accurately. She is cool, calculating and very, very savvy.

Spunky Kid

A cheerleader in every sense of the word, she urges everyone she knows on to victory. Cooperative and a team player.

Free Spirit

Ready to lend a hand to any project, but when the going gets tough she is out to lunch. Lives in the present; she is original, and slightly eccentric.

Waif

Projects a childlike innocence, a soul stirring susceptibility. She is naive, enigmatic, yet resilient. Everyone she meets wants to save her, but she can surprise people with her strength. Has a sense of isolation; she drifts through life seeking home bas

Librarian

Knows the location of every book except the book of love. Solitary, analytical, and detail-oriented.

Crusader

Believes in commitment, but is much more committed to a cause than loved ones. Determined, dynamic, and not easily discouraged.

Nurturer

No sacrifice is too great for her, and she never lets anyone forget it. She is a mentor. She is calm, cool, and collected. She is easy to get along with and has a will of iron.

Demographics

The basic vital of social statistics or bits of information about a person.

Characternyms

The naming of characters to reveal their personality or physical traits.