Terms to know:

Characterization:

The method(s) a writer uses to reveal or describe the characters and their personalities, motivations, and desires. Below are the seven elements that writers use to establish character:

Physicality - What a character looks like

Speech: What a character says

Actions: What a character does

Thoughts: What a character thinks

Reactions: How a character reacts

Other Characters: What other characters say, do or think

Setting: How time, place, and circumstance reveal character

Setting: The time and place in which the action of a story occurs. Setting can help to establish mood and character.

Dialogue: Dialogue is communication between two characters. Dialogue is used by authors to provide background information, develop characters through point-of-view and characteristics, and advance the plot.

Imagery: The use of sensory language to create a picture or image in the reader’s mind. Imagery appeals to one or more of the senses: touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight.

Conflict: Conflict is the central tension or problem around which a story is centered. The conflict sets a story in motion and calls the character(s) to action. There are five primary conflicts:

Person vs. Person – a character’s conflict with another character

Person vs. Society – a character’s conflict with society or a larger group

Person vs. Self  - a character’s inner conflict or personal problem

Person vs. Nature – a character’s conflict with or in nature

Person vs. Fate (God) – a character confronts what seems an awesome or divine force.

Flaw:  A character flaw is a bias, limitation, imperfection or problem which affects the character’s actions, abilities, or motives.