English II Literary Terms: Characters

Questions and Answers

What is an antagonist?

A character that opposes the protagonist (correct)

A minor character

A character undergoing change

The main character in a story

What is a dynamic character?

A character who undergoes an important and permanent change in some distinguishing moral qualities or personal traits.

What is direct characterization?

When the writer states directly what a character is like.

Which of the following describes a flat character?

A character whose traits are summed up in a few characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Define foil in literature.

A minor character whose situation or actions parallel those of a major character, setting off or illuminating the major character. Signup and view all the answers

What is indirect characterization?

The writer reveals the character in subtle ways. Signup and view all the answers

A character who remains the same at the end of a story as they were at the beginning is called a _____ character.

static Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Protagonist = The main character in a story Stock Character = A stereotyped character familiar from previous literature Motivation = Circumstances prompting a character to act Round Character = A character with complex moral qualities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Characters and Their Definitions

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating tension or conflict; can be a person, spirit, object, animal, or natural force.
Protagonist: The main character in a story, play, or novel who drives the action forward.

Character Types

Dynamic Character: Undergoes significant and lasting change in moral qualities or personal traits throughout the narrative.
Static Character: Remains the same at the end of the story as at the beginning, showing no growth or change.
Round Character: Exhibits complex moral qualities and traits; they are well-developed and realistic.
Flat Character: Summed up by a few distinguishing traits; lacks depth and complexity.
Stock Character: A stereotypical character with familiar traits from previous narratives, often used to facilitate storytelling.

Characterization Techniques

Direct Characterization: The writer explicitly states what a character is like, as in a straightforward description.
Indirect Characterization: The character is revealed subtly through actions, thoughts, or dialogue, as shown in inferred situations.
Foil: A minor character whose situation or actions enhance or contrast the major character, illuminating their traits.

Character Motivation

Motivation: The circumstances or factors that drive a character's actions or decisions, impacting the narrative and plot development.

Archetypes

Archetype: A quintessential example or ideal model of a character type, such as a hero, villain, or damsel in distress that recurs across various literary works.

Description

Test your knowledge on key literary terms related to characters in literature. This quiz covers definitions and concepts such as antagonist, direct characterization, and dynamic characters. It's perfect for English II students looking to enhance their understanding of character development in literary works.