Characterization for Dummies

Sure, I'd be happy to explain that to you! "Characterization" is a way to describe and develop a character in a story or play. It's kind of like when you're meeting a new friend, and you start to learn about their personality, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them unique. When an author uses characterization, they're showing us who a character is through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. This helps us as readers to understand and connect with the characters in the story, and makes the story more interesting and exciting to read.

There are actually two different types of characterization: direct and indirect. Direct characterization is when the author tells us straight out what a character is like. For example, the author might say, "Samantha was kind and generous." Indirect characterization is a little more subtle. Instead of telling us directly, the author shows us what the character is like through their actions, thoughts, and how other characters react to them. Like, if the author describes how Samantha helps an injured animal or comforts a friend, we can understand that she's kind and caring without the author having to tell us.

So, in a nutshell, "characterization" is all about getting to know and understand the characters in a story through their thoughts, actions, and dialogue. It's like getting to know a new friend—you start to see who they really are and what makes them tick. And just like in real life, good characterization makes the story more engaging and enjoyable to read. I hope that helps you understand!