Everything you always wanted to know about characterization

Summary

In this video, Mr. Sato explains the concept of characterization in storytelling. He outlines key character types such as protagonists, antagonists, foils, anti-heroes, and dynamic vs. static characters. He also introduces terms like flat vs. round characters, emphasizing the importance of depth and complexity. Mr. Sato discusses the harmful nature of stereotypes in writing and the distinction between direct and indirect characterization. He concludes by urging viewers to observe characters closely, both in stories and in real life, as everyone has more layers than they initially seem, and transformation is always possible.

Takeaways

• 😀 Characterization is everything a writer does to create, reveal, and develop characters.
• 😀 A protagonist is the 'good guy' of the story, someone the audience roots for to succeed.
• 😀 An antagonist is the 'bad guy', the character or force opposing the protagonist.
• 😀 Sympathetic characters are those we like or root for, while unsympathetic characters are those we dislike.
• 😀 Not all main characters are protagonists. Some may be morally complex or undefined.
• 😀 A foil contrasts with the main character in ways that highlight key qualities of the protagonist.
• 😀 Anti-heroes are villains we root for, whose actions may be morally questionable, but we still want to see them succeed.
• 😀 Dynamic characters undergo significant change throughout the story, while static characters remain the same.
• 😀 Flat characters are simple, with limited depth, while round characters are more complex and multi-dimensional.
• 😀 Stereotypes should be avoided in writing, as they reduce characters to oversimplified, offensive types.
• 😀 Direct characterization tells us directly what a character is like, while indirect characterization reveals it through the character's actions, dialogue, and others' reactions.

Q & A

What is characterization in literature?

Characterization is the process a writer uses to create, reveal, and develop characters in a story.

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

The protagonist is the 'good guy' or main character whom the story is about and whom we want to succeed. The antagonist is the 'bad guy,' the character or force that opposes the protagonist.

What does it mean for a character to be sympathetic?

A sympathetic character is one that readers or viewers like or root for, often because they are good or relatable. Protagonists are generally sympathetic.

Can a main character be something other than a protagonist?

Yes, not all main characters are protagonists. Some stories present more complex characters that are neither fully good nor bad, reflecting a more realistic portrayal of human nature.

What is a foil character?

A foil is a character who contrasts with the main character in ways that highlight important qualities or traits of the main character. For example, Han Solo serves as a foil to Luke Skywalker.

What defines an anti-hero?

An anti-hero is a character who may embody qualities typically associated with villains but still earns the audience's support or sympathy. For example, the Dark Knight version of Batman is considered an anti-hero.

What is the difference between a dynamic and a static character?

A dynamic character changes and evolves over the course of the story, like Simba in 'The Lion King.' A static character remains the same throughout the story, like Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' series.

What is a flat character?

A flat character is simple and one-dimensional, often with few traits or complexities. Examples include many Disney characters, who are usually morally good but lack significant depth.

What is a round character?

A round character is complex and multi-dimensional, with conflicting motives and internal depth. An example is Stanley from 'Holes,' who has various personality traits that make him feel more like a real person.

Why should writers avoid stereotypes?

Stereotypes oversimplify characters and fail to reflect the complexity of real people. While they may be convenient for minor characters, writers should strive to develop fully realized characters beyond common stereotypes.

What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

Direct characterization occurs when the author explicitly tells you what a character is like, while indirect characterization reveals a character's traits through their actions, speech, thoughts, or how others perceive them.