Definition for Characterization:
Character, characterization A character is a person presented in a dramatic or narrative work, and characterization is the process by which a writer makes that character seem real to the reader. A hero or heroine, often called the protagonist, is the central character who engages the reader's interest and empathy. The antagonist is the character, force, or collection of forces that stands directly opposed to the protagonist and gives rise to the conflict of the story. A static character does not change throughout the work, and the reader's knowledge of that character does not grow, whereas a dynamic character undergoes some kind of change because of the action in the plot. A flat character embodies one or two qualities, ideas, or traits that can be readily described in a brief summary. They are not psychologically complex characters and therefore are readily accessible to readers. Irony A literary device that uses contradictory statements or situations to reveal a reality different from what appears to be true. It is ironic for a firehouse to burn down, or for a police station to be burglarized.Verbal irony is a figure of speech that occurs when a person says one thing but means the opposite. Sarcasm is a strong form of verbal irony that is calculated to hurt someone through, for example, false praise. Dramatic irony creates a discrepancy between what a character believes or says and what the reader or audience member knows to be true. Tragic irony is a form of dramatic irony found in tragedies such as Oedipus the King, in which Oedipus searches for the person responsible for the plague that ravishes his city and ironically ends up hunting himself. Situational irony exists when there is an incongruity between what is expected to happen and what actually happens due to forces beyond human comprehension or control. The suicide of the seemingly successful main character in Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Richard Cory" is an example of situational irony. Homework: Complete Logs for 3.1 & 3.2 (traditional) For 3.3 & 3.4 (in place of logs) 1. Choose one character from 3.3 OR 3.4 (other than Hamlet) and discuss how Shakespeare characterizes them. How does Shakespeare use language and actions to make the character real. In what ways (if any) has this character seemed to change since the beginning of the play? What images seem to be associated with this character? What do you think are the character’s motivations? (Why does he or she do what they do? What do they want?). What quote best represents your character. Is the character you’ve chosen a protagonist, antagonist, foil, hero, static, flat? 2. Find and discuss examples of irony: verbal, dramatic, situational in 3.3. and /or 3.4. Identify for each, which type of irony it is. Provide the quote and an explanation. |