• Steps to creating effective characters in stories.

Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC English| November 07, 2024

Characterization is the way writers reveal and develop the personalities, traits, and motives of the characters in a story. It helps readers understand who the characters are, what drives them, and how they interact with the world around them.

There are two main types of characterization:

1. Direct Characterization: The author tells the reader directly what a character is like. For example, “Kaela is kind and generous.”
2. Indirect Characterization: The author shows the character’s personality through actions, thoughts, dialogue, or interactions with other characters, allowing readers to infer traits. For instance, if Kaela spends her weekends volunteering at the animal shelter, readers might assume that she is compassionate.

Characterization can be subtle, unfolding slowly as readers gather clues, or it can be straightforward, giving readers a clear picture of the character’s role in the story.

Example 1: Friendly Character

• Direct Characterization: “George was always friendly and welcoming to everyone he met.”
• Indirect Characterization: Jonathon greets the new students with a warm smile and asks them if they’d like help finding their classes. He goes out of his way to make them feel comfortable.

Example 2: Hardworking Character

• Direct Characterization: “Sandra was a hard worker who never gave up.”
• Indirect Characterization: Ana stays up late every night, poring over her textbooks and taking detailed notes. Her friends invite her out, but she insists on finishing her assignments first.

Example 3: Brave Character

• Direct Characterization: “Wayne was fearless and brave in the face of danger.”
• Indirect Characterization: During a storm, Marcus helps a neighbor secure their windows, despite the high winds. He remains calm while everyone else appears worried.

Example 4: Shy Character

• Direct Characterization: “Destiny was very shy and avoided attention.”
• Indirect Characterization: Shayla quietly sits in the back of the classroom, looking down when the teacher asks questions, and barely speaks unless someone talks to her directly.

Each of these examples shows how a character’s traits can be presented to readers either by directly stating them or by letting their actions and interactions speak for themselves.