Characterization and Role
CHARACTER, CHARACTERIZATION AND ROLE
Definition of Terms
Character refers to any person, object or animal that takes part in a story. A character may either be real or fictitious (imaginary).
Characterization is the description of a person’s personality or behaviour. This does not include their physical appearance or social status. Therefore adjectives like tall, dark, rich or beautiful cannot be used to describe a person’s personality. Adjectives that describe a person’s character are called character traits or personality traits. Examples of character traits are: arrogant, proud, sympathetic, generous, honest, cowardly, timid etc.
When dealing with characterization, we can tell a the character traits of a character through;
- What the character does i.e. through his/her actions.
- What he/she says i.e. through their choice of words and language
- What other people say about the character. (although not always reliable)
- What the author says about that character.
- What the character thinks; their inner thoughts and feelings about others or life in general.
Characters can generally be described as major or minor. Major characters are those that appear often in the text while minor ones are those that appear in a few places in the text. For example, Akoko is a major character while Nyar Asembo is a minor character.
The main character in a novel or play is called the protagonist. In most cases, the protagonist will have another character(s) that is against him/her. This character(s) is called the antagonist(s). For example, in the ‘The River and the Source”, Akoko is the protagonist while her main antagonist is Otieno Kembo.
A character can also be described as round or flat. A round character is one who is fully developed and has many character traits some even contradicting each other e.g. He may be kind and cruel at the same time. A flat character on the other hand is one who is not fully developed and possesses only few traits and hence behaves in only one way and not the other.
A character may also be described as static or dynamic. A static character is one who does not change their behaviour in any way from the start of the story to the end. A dynamic character however changes their behaviour as the story progresses. A dynamic character is therefore more developed than a static one.
The author creates his characters with a purpose in the novel or play. Every character therefore plays a part in the development of the plot, themes and the structure of the story. This part is called the role of the character. Therefore, without the characters playing their roles, the story would not be complete.
In The River and the Source, we have the following major characters and their character traits:
wuz gud?anyway I think u should update characterisation of characters in the river and the source…apart from that, a job well done, neat and tidy…totally loving it
Hi Tonito. Thanks for your encouragement and advice. We are in the process of compiling detailed notes on characterization and role in the River and the Source. Please check the site in a week’s time. Cheers!
This is an amazing article. Realy helps with homework. Just hope you will soon list all the characters because these are only main characters. Thank you!
Hi Fakeha, we’re glad you liked the content. Indeed, emphasis has been placed on the main characters but you can find more notes from the ‘DOWNLOAD’ button in the top menu.
superb really helpfull in studying the river and the source
Hi Emmanuel. Great to know that it helped you out.
Its a great compilation bravo!It
Am cheering your very brief notes that helps one to study the river and the source.
Hi Symo, glad you’re benefiting from the notes.
am glad about this…my english teacher mr. Wanjau {marua mixed day sec sch} told me about this and he helped me alot
Hi Anthony, I hope you have liked what you have seen. Tell your friends about it too – oh, and say ‘hi’ to Mr. Wanjau.
superb… please send me full summary of all set books
good anyway do make the app to fit the small phones