Characters 1

Main Characters

• Characters who are central to the development and resolution of the story's conflict
• Could be protagonists, supporting characters, or antagonists

Protagonist

• Main focus of the story
• Usually good, but not always
• Steve Rogers, Walter White, Rick Grimes, Katniss Evergreen

Supporting Character

• Aids the protagonist
• Could be a friend, relative, mentor, love interest...
• Alfred (Batman), Primrose (Hunger Games), Han Solo (Star Wars Awakening)

Antagonist

• Works against the main character or creates an obstacle for the main character
• Typically evil, but not always
• Darth Vader (Star Wars), Scar (Lion King), Magneto (X-Men)

Characterization

• How the author tells you about the character
• Shows character traits (the character's personality and physical attributes)
• Direct vs. Indirect

Direct Characterization

• The author tells you about the character
• No guessing
• You must simply observe what the authour is saying.
• Stacy, a nice girl, smiled at Becky.

Indirect Characterization

• The author shows you the character's actions, thoughts, speech, or interactions with others. They may also compare the character with others.
• Requires the reader to make an INFERENCE.

Action:
Jane smiled at John and blushed.

Speech:
Ron asked, "Why do I have to clean the sink? I don't want to."

Interaction with Others:
The women laughed at the giant stain on Sue's shirt, but no one told her.

Thoughts:
John stared at the sky, dreaming of flying through the stars.

Comparisons

• Simile: a comparison using like or as
• Metaphor: a comparison that does not use like or as

Comparison:
Rick stormed through the room like a panicked hippo.