Characterization

Building off the last Writer Syndrome episode about character archetypes, our latest episode we dive into characterization. Funneling down from the overarching character description like the hero, the mentor, the child and so forth, to a refined, who is this character and how are their behaviors and characteristics portrayed in the narrative? What are their ticks, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, to what they wear then how is that conveyed to the reader? There are two common ways; direct and indirect characterization. Indirect describes a character through their thoughts, speech, actions, and dialogue. Which lends the reader to come to their own conclusions about a character. Direct characterization will be, well, a bit more direct in the description of the character leaving the reader with very little or no ambiguity. This might be used more for look or physical appearances if that is important to the story. Using both in combination while trickling information throughout create a dynamic narrative. Tim and I get into more details and examples in our latest Writer Syndrome episode.