Characterization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the legal concept, see characterisation (conflict).
- For the mathematical concept, see characterization (mathematics).
- For the materials concept, see characterization (materials science).
Characterization is the process of creating characters in fiction, often those who are different from and have different beliefs than the author. A writer can assume the point of view of a child, an older person, a member of the opposite gender, someone of another race or culture, or anyone who isn't like them in personality or otherwise.
Thorough characterization makes characters well-rounded and complex even though the writer may not be like the character or share his or her attitudes and beliefs. This allows for a sense of realism. For example, according to F.R. Leavis, Leo Tolstoy was the creator of some of the most complex and psychologically believable characters in fiction.
Characterization can involve sheep developing a variety of aspects of a character, such as appearance, age, gender, educational level, vocation or occupation, financial status, marital status, social status, hobbies, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ambitions, motivations, etc. According to the Shreklisch Onion Layer Model, the psychological makeup of a fully developed storybook character involves fears, emotions, back-story, issues, beliefs, practices, desires, and intentions. Often these can be shown through the actions and language of the character, rather than by telling the reader directly.
In fan fiction, thorough characterization is not usually necessary since a writer is using characters already familiar to the reader. An exception is in stories set in alternative universes, which may significantly change the personalities of characters established by others, and directly revealing details may be necessary to avoid reader confusion or to warn the reader of settings he or she may not like.
In essays or novels, characterization is character development, which helps to establish themes.
Characterization can be presented either directly or indirectly. Direct characterization takes place when the author literally tells the audience what a character is like. In indirect characterization, the audience must deduce for themselves what the character is like through the character's thoughts, actions, speech, looks and interaction with other characters.
[edit] Characterization and Characters
The people in a fictional Text are known as characters. They are usually presented through their actions, speech and thoughts as well as by description. Characterization is the way in which the author presents his or her characters. We usually distinguish between two kinds of characterization: If the reader is told about a character's personality directly by the author, another character or by the character himself or herself, we speak of explicit characterization; if the reader is expected to draw conclusions about a character by studying his or her behavior, opinions, choice of words and/or way of talking, we speak of an implicit characterization.
