Character

 

Protagonist:  The character experiencing the conflict 

*NOT the good guy!—Samuel:  people in the subway 

 

Antagonist:  Source of protagonist’s conflict or stumbling block for protagonist in resolving conflict; a person, protagonist, a concept (time), natural forces

*NOT the bad guy:  Samuel: boys;  Salvation: Aunt, congregation, Langston;  Lesson: Miss Moore 

 

Dynamic:  Character has an inward change as a result of the conflict—perspective, view of life (Salvation; Lesson)

 

Static:  Character does not change (Armand; Désirée)

 

Round:  We have a “full” picture of the character’s emotions and intent (Salvation; Lesson)

 

Flat:  We do not feel or experience the character’s emotions or inner thoughts for more than a few sentences.  (Samuel; Désirée’s Baby)

 

Methods of Characterization:

·       Description: Physical Picture  (Miss Moore)

·       Action:  What char. does gives us insight into him/her (Armand)

·       Dialogue:  What char. says (or what other characters say about him/her) gives us insight into him/her  (Armand; Miss Moore)

·       Narration:  What is told about char. reveals him/her

          (Samuel, the man who pulls the brake; Miss Moore)

·       Combo:  A complete picture is formed by using a combo  (action and narration:  man in Samuel who pulls the emergency brake).