Overview
This lecture covers the types of characters and methods of characterization in short stories, with a focus on Afroasian literature.
Afroasian Literature and Literary Forms
- Afroasian literature includes written and spoken works by people from Africa and Asia.
- Main forms are prose (ordinary language) and poetry (verse with rhythm or rhyme).
- Prose includes novels, short stories, essays, and articles and is focused on clear communication.
- Poetry uses figurative language, imagery, and rhythm to evoke emotions.
Character Types in Short Stories
- Characters drive the plot and reflect real-life emotions and challenges.
- A character can be a person, animal, creature, or thing in a story.
- Protagonist is the main character, often facing conflict from the antagonist.
- Round character: complex with varied traits and emotional depth (e.g., Don Huan).
- Flat character: limited traits and little or no growth (e.g., King Fernando).
- Dynamic character: changes significantly during the story (e.g., Don Pedro).
- Static character: remains unchanged throughout the story (e.g., Don Jgo).
Characterization: How Authors Reveal Characters
- Characterization shows a character's personality, traits, and motivations.
- Direct characterization: author describes the character explicitly (e.g., "Luna was kind").
- Indirect characterization: traits revealed through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, or others' reactions.
Methods of Characterization (STEAL)
- S: Speech—what the character says and how they speak.
- T: Thoughts—character’s private feelings and beliefs.
- E: Effect on others—how other characters react or feel about them.
- A: Actions—what the character does and how they behave.
- L: Looks—character’s appearance and presentation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Prose — writing in ordinary language, used in stories and essays.
- Poetry — writing in verse, often with rhythm and figurative language.
- Character — a person, animal, or being in a story.
- Characterization — methods an author uses to reveal a character’s traits.
- Direct Characterization — author directly tells the reader about the character.
- Indirect Characterization — traits shown through actions, speech, thoughts, looks, and effects on others.
- Round Character — complex and fully developed character.
- Flat Character — simple character with few traits.
- Dynamic Character — character who changes throughout the story.
- Static Character — character who remains the same.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the STEAL methods for identifying indirect characterization.
- Read assigned Afroasian short stories to identify character types and methods of characterization.