8 METHODS OF CHARACTERIZATION

Physical Description

The first method of characterization, and the most common. It describes any
physical aspects of the character, including hair, height, skin, how he/she walks,
etc.

Name Analysis

The second method of characterization; when you examine the meaning of a

character's name and describe it. Note: not all names are significant to the story.

Attitude/appearance

The third method of characterization; the reader's description of the character's

attitude; how the character appears to feel about what happens to them in the
story.

Dialogue

The fourth method of characterization; the way a character speaks. Includes

choice of words, syntax, tone, and diction, as well as how others speak to the
character.

Thoughts

The fifth method of characterization; what the character thinks about the world
around them. Can only be analyzed if you are inside the character's head or told
what he/she is thinking.

Reactions of Others

The sixth method of characterization. Analyzing this means you are looking at
how others in the story react to/treat the character. Reactions can include verbal
response, as well as physical or emotional treatment.

Action or Incident

The seventh method of characterization; describes how a character reacts to/is

affected by a certain event. What action did they take? Have they been shaped
by past events? These determine how a character develops throughout a story.

Physical/Emotional Setting

The eighth method of characterization. This can affect the character's

development, as well as the plot of the story.