What is Characterization?
So, you created your character from scratch, complete with a proper character profile! Now It’s time to fully flesh them out on the page. To do so, you must use characterization. Characterization is the process of revealing a character’s traits. To properly reveal a character’s traits, you must use a combination of direct characterization and indirect characterization.
What is Direct Characterization?
Direct characterization is when the author tells the reader about specific aspects of a character, whether it’s their motivation, beliefs, personality, or appearance.
Example: Bilbo in Fellowship of the Ring → “Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar and had been the wonder of Shire for sixty years.” In this example, JRR Tolkien directly tells us that Bilbo is rich and peculiar.
What is Indirect Characterization?
Indirect characterization is when the author demonstrates specific aspects of a character through means of action, dialogue, appearance, etc.
Example: Bilbo in Fellowship of the Ring → “‘I am leaving now. Goodbye!’ He stepped down and vanished. There was a blinding flash of light, and the guests blinked. When they opened their eyes, Bilbo was nowhere to be seen. One hundred and forty-four flabbergasted hobbits sat back speechless.” In this example, we can infer that Bilbo is peculiar, flamboyant, and mischievous based on his actions depicted in this scene.
So in simpler terms, INDIRECT characterization is showing and DIRECT characterization is telling. Let’s go into detail about the techniques used for indirect characterization.
1. Actions, Choices, and Behavior
Actions speak louder than words! There is so much we can learn from a character based on their actions, choices, and behaviors. To properly characterize your character, take heed of every action they take and how they approach every situation.
Make sure you know what choices your character will make. We can learn so much about a character based on what they choose or choose not to do. For example, while one character may choose to put themselves in harm’s way to save others, another character when faced with this choice may choose to do the practical thing and save themself. The choice they make will tell the reader so much about them.
Additionally, ask yourself what behavior or unique demeanor your character displays. For example, a character who is nervous might have a tick where they play with the ring on their finger. As a writer, you can make this behavior unique to them and use it in situations to indicate your character is telling a lie. Be creative!
2. Dialogue and Dialect
Dialogue tells us a lot about a character by means of what they say, how they say it, and their willingness to speak up (or not speak up) in certain instances. Give each of your characters unique voices, filled with their distinct personality. And when they do speak, how do they contribute to the conversation?
Examples:
- A character who has traits of gentleness will be more soft spoken, choosing to beat around the bush when confronting someone, whereas a character who is bold will speak more direct and straight to the point.
- A character who has a specific talent may explain their expertise or a character who is smart will catch onto things quickly and explain what they learned.
Dialect is the specific language a character uses when speaking, which varies depending on culture, setting, time period, etc. Do your characters speak proper or improper? Do they use slang or speak normally?
3. How They Look and Dress
The more you know who your character is, the easier it will be to decide what they look like. Ask yourself, how do your character’s looks relate to who they are–occupation, hobbies, beliefs, quirks, relationships, and all? Transform all of these character traits into physical manifestations by bringing attention to the intricate details which separate them from other characters.
For example, if your character is a blacksmith, then point out their especially hard and dry skin when giving them a handshake. Or if your character has a nervous tick of chewing on their nails, draw attention to their brittle and short nails. Finally, someone uptight and pretentious may look extra put together and professional. These are only a few examples of how character traits can turn into unique physical traits.
4. Test Your Character’s Beliefs
If you jotted down a quick list of your character’s beliefs, great! Now it’s time to put your character’s conviction to the test! The best way to demonstrate your character’s belief is to make the story put as much pressure on your character’s core value as you can. To do so, put them in a situation that tests their belief.
For example, if a character’s core belief is “the truth is important above all else,” create a situation in your story where they must lie to save the life of a loved one. What do they do? If they stick to their core values despite the extreme circumstances, this will tell the reader a lot!
Other Characterization Techniques to Keep in Mind
5. Relationships
We can get a better idea of who a character is based on how they interact with others. Who do they treat well and who do they mistreat? Who do they trust with their secrets? Who do they confide in? Character relationships have a way of drawing the reader in whether it’s the love they share or conflict they create.
6. Flashbacks
A brief look into the character’s past is a great way to flesh out your character. Flashbacks give the author an opportunity to show us who their character is and why. Use your character’s past to justify the decisions they make now.
Examples of Characterization
Hunger Games Characterization:
- Indirect Characterization for Peeta → Katniss has a flashback where Peeta purposefully burns bread to give to Katniss, choosing to be generous even though it means he will be disciplined. This shows his kindness and selflessness.