but what does it really mean?
Characterization is what makes a
character who he is. An author draws upon several aspects to develop a
character:
Family background: A kid raised in the slums of
New York is definitely going to behave differently than a kid who grew up on a
farm in Oklahoma.
Education: Someone with a fifth grade education
isn’t going to see the world through the same eyes as someone schooled at Harvard. I’m not saying that the person with the fifth-grade education isn’t
smarter than the Harvard grad because often times, common sense shows a higher
intelligence than “book learning.”
Moral values: We’re not talking exclusively Christian values, although the ones who know Christ should have a pretty high moral standard. Overall, though, moral values can be good or bad. They are derived through childhood or through rebellion. They are what makes a person appear good or evil. They are also what provides depth to character–even when a character doesn’t practice what he knows is right
Back story: Yes, back story is always important
to characterization. However, not all back story is relevant to the story at
hand except that it builds character. Only what is relevant to the story should
be brought in, the rest should be a tool for development of character.
Conflict: How a person deals with conflict shows
the reader that character’s strengths and weaknesses.
Repetitive actions, speech attributes, and
mannerisms are a great way to develops a character.
dimensional characters are created when:
They are given a unique pattern of behavior
brought on by their background, education, and values.
They are placed in situations that are not
comfortable for them and then react in ways they normally would not behave.
television characters for today’s audiences:
Dr. Sheldon Cooper from The Big
Bang Theory.
- Family background: Sheldon’s father was an alcoholic;
his mother is portrayed loosely as a Christian. Sheldon has a twin sister,
who does not have his high intellect, but both his mother and his sister
exhibit far more common sense than does Sheldon. - Education: Sheldon is a highly educated genius, but he
lacks social skills. - Moral Values: Like it or not, Sheldon does exhibit the
moral values instilled upon him by both his mother and his beloved
“Memaw,” yet his scientific exploration has him doubting the God his
mother worships. - Back story: Sheldon was a childhood genius who was
often picked upon. His genius propelled him through school and is most
likely the reason for his social ineptness. - Conflict: Sheldon is a very me-centered individual.
He’s also OCD, and he behaves in very funny ways when his comfort zone is
invaded. He also, on occasion, shows compassion and a child-like persona,
which adds depth. - Repetitive actions: Sheldon has created words such as
“Bazinga,” and he has made the saying, “I’m not crazy. My mother had me
tested,” very popular. His OCD has him always knocking on Penny’s door
three times while calling out her name. Sheldon also insists that no one
sit in his spot, and when someone brings him food, he has a lists of
questions to ask about it. These all draw the audience to his unique
character.
novel’s cast members. When self-editing, an author should review his manuscript
with an eye toward characters who live in an ordinary world yet who make that
world extraordinary by the things they see, the conflict they face, and the way
they see the world around them.