Unit 1 Notes

2012-2013

Instructions

• Label your paper Unit One Notes.• Each slide will present a key term and its

definition. • As each of the following terms are discussed,

copy the information onto your paper.• If you are asked to provide an additional

example, please do so.

characterization

• The representation of individuals in literary works.

Methods of Characterization:

• Direct methods – the writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality and tells what the character is like.– Example:• Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales

rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.

Methods of Characterization:• Indirect methods – The writer reveals information

about a character and his personality through that character’s thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him.– Example:

• “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

Methods of Characterization

(Write this information to the right of the previous slide.)• An easy way to remember how indirect

characterization works is with the acronym STEAL.• Remember: Indirect methods – show things that

reveal a character’s– Speech– Thoughts– Effects on others– Actions– Looks

Types of Characters:

• Round character – a character that is fully developed. This type of character is a major character in a work of fiction who encounters conflict and is changed by it.

Types of Characters:

• Static character – a character who does not undergo change. Flat characters generally play a supporting role to the main character, who as a rule should be round.

Types of Characters:

• Dynamic character – a character that undergoes some transformation, such as an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude.

Example: Ebenezer Scrooge

dialogue• The conversation between characters in a drama or narrative.

A dialogue occurs in most works of literature. It moves the action along in a work and helps to characterize the personality of the speakers.– Example:

“Don’t kill me,” said Chuchundra, almost weeping. “Rikki-tikki, don’t kill me!”“Do you think a snake killer kills muskrats?” said Rikki-tikki scornfully.“Those who kill snake get killed by snakes,” said Chuchundra, more sorrowfully than ever. “And how am I to be sure that Nag won’t mistake me for you some dark night?”“There’s not the least danger,” said Rikki-tikki, “but Nag is in the garden, and I know you don’t go there.”“My cousin Chua, the rat, told me – “ said Chuchundra, and then he stopped.“Told you what?”“H’sh! Nag is everywhere, Rikki-tikki. You should have talked to Chua in the garden.”“I didn’t – so you must tell me. Quick, Chuchundra, or I’ll bite you!”

protagonist

• A protagonist (also known as the “hero” or “heroine”) is the main character or lead figure in a novel, play, story, or poem.– Examples:• Ebenezer Scrooge – protagonist in A Christmas Carol• Rikki-Tikki – protagonist in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”• _____________ -- protagonist in __________________

antagonist• A person (or situation) which acts in conflict to

the protagonist.– Examples:• Lord Voldemort – antagonist in the Harry Potter series

who acts in conflict to Harry Potter.• Nag and Nagaina – antagonists in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” who

act in conflict to Rikki-Tikki.• _____________ -- antagonist(s) in _____________ who act(s) in conflict to_________________.

Setting (historical)

• The time and place in which a narrative (story) takes place.

• The physical and psychological background against which the action of a story takes place.

• The scenery and stage effects for a dramatic production.– Example(s):

simile• A comparison of two unlike things that uses

the words “like” or “as.”– Examples:• Rikki-tikki listened. The house was as still as still, but he

thought he could just catch the faintest scratch-scratch in the world – a noise as faint as that of a wasp walking on a windowpane – the dry scratch of a snake’s scales on brickwork.• I felt as happy as a student on the first day of summer

vacation.• Your example:_________________________________

metaphor

• A comparison of two unlike things that does NOT use the words “like” or “as.”– Examples:

• From “The Rose,” recorded by Bette Middler in 1979.– Some say love, it is a river– That drowns the tender reed.– Some say love, it is a razor– That leaves your soul to bleed.– Some say love, it is a hunger,– An endless aching need.– I say love, it is a flower,– And you its only seed.