Character Development Flashcards

Grade 7 · English · Flashcards

Study the key terms and techniques authors use to create memorable, believable characters.

Flashcards

Direct characterization: Author states character traits explicitly — 'She was stubborn and fiercely kind'
Indirect characterization: Character revealed through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions
STEAL: Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks — indirect characterization tools
Dynamic character: Changes significantly across the story in response to events
Static character: Remains essentially the same from beginning to end
Protagonist: The central character whose journey the story follows
Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist
Internal motivation: Drives from inside the character — fear, love, guilt, ambition
External motivation: Drives from outside the character — survival, revenge, social pressure
Round character: A complex, multi-dimensional character with depth and contradictions
Flat character: A simple character with one or two defining traits and little depth
Foil: A character who contrasts with another to highlight the other's qualities
Character arc: The transformation or growth a character experiences across a story