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    Methods of Characterization in Literature

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    Meli Pereyra
    The document discusses methods of characterization in literature. There are two main approaches to characterization: direct characterization where the author tells us about the character, and indirect characterization where the author shows us about the character through their actions. An acronym PAIRS is also presented to summarize the five main methods of characterization: physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech. These methods provide insights into a character's personality, relationships, and effects on other characters.

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    Methods of Characterization in Literature

    Uploaded by

    Meli Pereyra
    1K views2 pages
    The document discusses methods of characterization in literature. There are two main approaches to characterization: direct characterization where the author tells us about the character, and indirect characterization where the author shows us about the character through their actions. An acronym PAIRS is also presented to summarize the five main methods of characterization: physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech. These methods provide insights into a character's personality, relationships, and effects on other characters.

    Original Description:

    How to describe a character

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    The document discusses methods of characterization in literature. There are two main approaches to characterization: direct characterization where the author tells us about the character, and indirect characterization where the author shows us about the character through their actions. An acronym PAIRS is also presented to summarize the five main methods of characterization: physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech. These methods provide insights into a character's personality, relationships, and effects on other characters.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as odt, pdf, or txt
    1K views2 pages

    Methods of Characterization in Literature

    Uploaded by

    Meli Pereyra
    The document discusses methods of characterization in literature. There are two main approaches to characterization: direct characterization where the author tells us about the character, and indirect characterization where the author shows us about the character through their actions. An acronym PAIRS is also presented to summarize the five main methods of characterization: physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech. These methods provide insights into a character's personality, relationships, and effects on other characters.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as odt, pdf, or txt
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    Methods of Characterization in Literature

    Characterization in literature is the process authors use to develop characters and create images of the characters for the
    audience. There are two different approaches to characterization, including direct characterization and indirect
    characterization. With the direct approach, the author tells us what he or she wants us to know about the character. With
    indirect characterization, the author shows us things about the character to help us have an understanding of the character's
    personality and effect on other characters. 

    Five Methods of Characterization


    An acronym, PAIRS, can help you recall the five methods of characterization: physical description, action, inner thoughts,
    reactions, and speech. 
    Physical description - the character's physical appearance is described. For example, characters might be described as tall,
    thin, fat, pretty, etc. We might be told the colour of hair or something about the clothing of the character. How the character
    dresses might reveal something about the character. Does the character wear old, dirty clothing, or stylish, expensive
    clothing? 
    “[...] said a very self-possessed young lady of fifteen; [...]” Page 12.
    “Framton grabbed wildly at this stick and hat; [...]” Page 14.
    “[...] her husband with his white waterproof coat over his arm [...]” Page 13.
    Action/attitude/behaviour - What the character does tells us a lot about him/her, as well as how the character behaves and
    his or her attitude. Is the character a good person or a bad person? Is the character helpful to others or selfish?
    “Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without
    unduly discounting the aunt [...]” Page 12. Mr Nuttel has impeccable manners.
    “Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits [...] would do much towards helping the nerve cure which
    he was supposed to be undergoing.” Page 12. We learn that Mr Nuttel is suffering from a mental illness, he’s a very anxious
    person.
    “The doctors agree in ordering me complete rest, an absence of mental excitement, and avoidance of anything in the nature
    of violent physical exercise.” Page 13. Reinforce the statement above.
    “Romance at short notice was her specialty.” Page 14. We learn that Vera is a good storyteller.

    Inner thoughts - What the character thinks reveals things about the character. We discover things about their personalities
    and feelings. This sometimes helps us understand the character's actions. 
    “[...] asked the niece, when she judge that they had had sufficient silent communion.” Page 12. We can infer two things, that
    Vera has the conversation under control, meaning she’s very confident, but also a bit impatience, that little silence between
    the conversation was awkward for her.
    “Framtom wondered whether Mrs Sappleton, the lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction came
    into the nice division.” Page 12. Mr Nuttle was hoping Mrs Sappleton was a nice lady.

    Reactions - Effect on others or what the other characters say and feel about this character. We learn about the relationships
    among the characters. How does the character make the other characters feel? Do they feel scared, happy, or confused? This
    helps the reader have a better understanding of all the characters. 
    “She broke off with a little shudder.” Page 13.
    “Framton shivered slightly and turn towards the nice with a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension. The child
    was staring out through the open window with a dazed of horror in her eyes.” Page 14.

    Speech - What the character says provides a great deal of insight for the reader. The character might speak in a shy, quiet
    manner or in a nervous manner. The character might speak intelligently or in a rude manner.
    “ ‘Here they are at last!’ she cried.” Page 13. Mrs Sappleton brightens up when she sees her husband and brothers coming
    back from shooting.
    “ ‘I expect it was the spaniel’, said the niece calmly.” Page 14. After Mr Nuttel rushed out of the rectory, Vera’s reaction is
    smooth because her joke landed perfectly.

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