Characterization of Touching Spirit Bear
Editor's Note: I don't believe that an Editor's Note is needed anymore because I've written quite a lot of blog posts about the story aspects of Touching Spirit Bear.
Characterization can be defined as the way in which an author presents and defines characters. Basically, characterization is what truly makes readers emotionally attached to a novel and the characters in that novel. In this post I'm going to talk about the different types of characters, direct and indirect characterization, how to spot characterization in a novel, and the characterization of Touching Spirit Bear.
The different types of characters - There are two factors that determine what the type of character someone is in a novel. First there is the complexity of the character (flat or round). Complexity is the depth of a character. Do they have layers (round)? Or can you describe them in one sentence (flat)? Round characters are like onions because they both have multiple layers. The next factor that determines the type of character in a novel is change (static or dynamic). Change is how much the character's personality or physical form changes in a novel. They can either remain unchanged (static), or change throughout the story (dynamic). A character can only have one aspect from each of the two factors (for example, a character could be round and dynamic, but not static and dynamic).
Direct and indirect characterization - In order to use characterization effectively, an author uses two different methods: Direct or indirect characterization. Direct characterization is what the narrator reveals about the character directly. As an example, the narrator may reveal, "Johnny changed quite a lot throughout his life." That would be direct characterization. Indirect characterization could be any of these three things: What the character says and does, what others say about or how others react to the character, and how a character responds to events in the plot. One example may be that Johnny decides to not punch Billy in the face near the end of the novel, even though he would have done so in the beginning.
How to spot characterization - To spot characterization look for direct or indirect details that reveal: Thoughts, actions, physical description, background, personality, relationships, motivations, and/or capabilities. Wow! That sure is a long list. Let me break it down for you. Just look at what the character was like in the beginning of the novel and what he/she is like at the end. See if you can spot the different thoughts (for example) that they are now having. If they change quite a lot during the story they would probably end up being round and dynamic. It has almost never occurred where a character is flat and dynamic.
Characterization of Touching Spirit Bear - Here are two main characters of Touching Spirit Bear and the types of characters that they are:
In conclusion, characterization is an incredibly important part of keeping readers interested. Without it, readers wouldn't get emotionally attached, or care about, the characters in the novel. So, the next time you're reading a novel, pick a few characters and determine what type of characterization they go through.
Characterization can be defined as the way in which an author presents and defines characters. Basically, characterization is what truly makes readers emotionally attached to a novel and the characters in that novel. In this post I'm going to talk about the different types of characters, direct and indirect characterization, how to spot characterization in a novel, and the characterization of Touching Spirit Bear.
The different types of characters - There are two factors that determine what the type of character someone is in a novel. First there is the complexity of the character (flat or round). Complexity is the depth of a character. Do they have layers (round)? Or can you describe them in one sentence (flat)? Round characters are like onions because they both have multiple layers. The next factor that determines the type of character in a novel is change (static or dynamic). Change is how much the character's personality or physical form changes in a novel. They can either remain unchanged (static), or change throughout the story (dynamic). A character can only have one aspect from each of the two factors (for example, a character could be round and dynamic, but not static and dynamic).
Direct and indirect characterization - In order to use characterization effectively, an author uses two different methods: Direct or indirect characterization. Direct characterization is what the narrator reveals about the character directly. As an example, the narrator may reveal, "Johnny changed quite a lot throughout his life." That would be direct characterization. Indirect characterization could be any of these three things: What the character says and does, what others say about or how others react to the character, and how a character responds to events in the plot. One example may be that Johnny decides to not punch Billy in the face near the end of the novel, even though he would have done so in the beginning.
How to spot characterization - To spot characterization look for direct or indirect details that reveal: Thoughts, actions, physical description, background, personality, relationships, motivations, and/or capabilities. Wow! That sure is a long list. Let me break it down for you. Just look at what the character was like in the beginning of the novel and what he/she is like at the end. See if you can spot the different thoughts (for example) that they are now having. If they change quite a lot during the story they would probably end up being round and dynamic. It has almost never occurred where a character is flat and dynamic.
Characterization of Touching Spirit Bear - Here are two main characters of Touching Spirit Bear and the types of characters that they are:
- Cole Matthews
- Round - Multiple layers are shown with Cole throughout the novel. He has anger, happiness, friendliness, the ability to build a cabin, and so many other layers to him
- Dynamic - At the beginning of the novel, Cole is a kid with anger management issues basically. Although, near the end of the novel, Cole learns to control his anger
- Peter Driscal
- Round - There are a few layers shown with Peter. His angry side, his ability to forgive, his carving skills, are a few examples.
- Dynamic - Peter changes dramatically throughout the novel. The novel starts out with him being beaten up by Cole. Afterwards, Peter has to relearn basic functions such as walking and talking. Eventually, Peter forgives Cole for what he did and gains some of his basic functions back
In conclusion, characterization is an incredibly important part of keeping readers interested. Without it, readers wouldn't get emotionally attached, or care about, the characters in the novel. So, the next time you're reading a novel, pick a few characters and determine what type of characterization they go through.
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