Notes

Characterization: elements of analysis

When you speak about characters, you have to distinguish between

1. flat characters, who don't change in the course of the novel

2. round characters, who develop their personality in the novel

What do we mean for characterization?
Characterization is the way a character comes to life.

The intelligent reader should analyze the categories the narrator exploits to create the character

Categories

1.Physical description
2.Social background
3. Job;
4. Relationships with other characters;
5. Reputation;
6. Language he/she uses;
7. Cultural background.

Most of the times, categories the narrator exploits are mixed up. Some are giving more space than

others.

A narrator can use different techniques when he/she brings a character to life:

1. Telling → The narrator tells the reader all about the character. Everything the reader knows, all the ideas the reader makes up about character's life are filtered by the narrator
2. Showing → The narrator shows the character in action.

What is the position of the reader in the two cases?

• If the most frequent technique is the technique of showing, the reader can make up a more personal idea of the character
• If the most frequent technique is the technique of telling, the reader is less free to make up his personal idea.

What is the narrator doing in Chapter 2?
How does he presents the character to the reader?

He uses the technique of telling.

The new character:

1. is different from Vic Wilcox
2. doesn't believe in the idea of character → her cultural convictions
3. that is to say (a favourite of her own) → her language
4. Robyn    → her name → Robin Hood→ ideal person; socially committed
5. Penrose → her surname →the reader might expect she is the narrator
6. Temporary Lecturer → her job →her social status his not stable