Characters and Characterization

Start with character vocabulary

The flashcards in Characters In Literature Vocabulary introduce terms including protagonist, antagonist, characterization, and direct and indirect characterization. Start there if you want to become familiar with the words before exploring the maps. The deck also includes dynamic, static, round and flat characters.

Then look at the Character mind map. It sets out the roles of protagonist, antagonist and foil. The Type of characters map offers another way to organize the topic, with branches for major and minor characters and their roles in a story.

Practice with a quiz and maps

After studying the vocabulary and maps, try the Characters and Character Development Quiz. It asks about character development and includes a question about why readers become emotionally invested in characters.

Use the quiz alongside the maps: work through the questions, then return to the relevant map to go over terms or roles you want to study again. You can also compare the vocabulary deck with Characters Story Elements Notes, another set of flashcards covering character types and characterization.

Explore individual characters

The page also lists mind maps focused on particular characters. Alec describes a controlled, unfeeling and isolated person. Abike Johnson Character Map presents qualities including manipulative and commanding, while Jordan's main emotions organizes feelings such as fear, anger and being lost.

These maps give you different ways to look at a character. Compare how each map groups its points, then consider how those points relate to the character terms you have studied.

Place the topic in the unit

Characters and Characterization is one section of Narrative and Story Elements in Literature. Its vocabulary resources and character maps offer a starting point for studying characters within that unit. Choose a map or quiz to begin exploring the page.