Characterization

Definition

Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality, traits, and motivations of a character within a literary work. It involves both direct methods, such as explicit descriptions, and indirect methods, where the reader infers characteristics through actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. This technique is crucial for developing relatable and complex characters that drive the narrative and engage the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration comedy, characterization often relies on stock characters, like the witty rogue or the virtuous maiden, to create humor and social commentary.
2. Samuel Richardson's novels use extensive internal monologues and letters to deepen characterization, allowing readers to understand characters' thoughts and emotions intimately.
3. William Wycherley and George Etherege employed satirical techniques in their works to highlight social norms through the lens of their vividly characterized personas.
4. The picaresque novel format allows for episodic storytelling, where characterization evolves through encounters and adventures rather than linear development.
5. Fielding’s 'Joseph Andrews' uses parody to emphasize the absurdities of his characters’ traits, showcasing moral lessons while providing entertainment.

Review Questions

• How do authors use characterization in Restoration comedies to reflect societal norms and values?
  • In Restoration comedies, characterization serves as a vehicle for satire, allowing authors to critique societal norms through exaggerated traits. Characters often embody specific archetypes that represent various aspects of society, such as the libertine or the moralist. By portraying these types in humorous situations, playwrights highlight the absurdities of their behavior and challenge the values of their time.
• Discuss how Samuel Richardson's use of epistolary form influences characterization in his novels.
  • Samuel Richardson's epistolary form allows for a unique depth of characterization as it provides direct access to characters' thoughts and feelings through their letters. This technique creates intimacy between the reader and characters like Pamela and Clarissa, enabling readers to witness their moral struggles and personal growth firsthand. The correspondence also reveals relationships and social dynamics that are critical for understanding character motivations.
• Evaluate the role of characterization in shaping the themes of personal development and morality in Henry Fielding's 'Joseph Andrews'.
  • In 'Joseph Andrews', characterization plays a pivotal role in exploring themes of personal development and morality. Fielding crafts complex characters who face various challenges that test their virtues and vices throughout their episodic adventures. The interactions between characters reveal insights into human nature, emphasizing moral lessons while showcasing character evolution—particularly how Joseph's steadfastness contrasts with others' follies. This layered characterization not only drives the plot but also invites readers to reflect on their own values.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story around whom the plot revolves, typically facing challenges that promote growth and change.

Antagonist: A character or force in opposition to the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative tension.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often resulting from their experiences and decisions.