Characterization is the process by which a writer creates and develops characters in a narrative. This can involve showing their traits, motivations, actions, and interactions with other characters, which helps readers to understand and connect with them.
Two techniques a writer can use to describe an interesting character include:
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Direct Characterization: This involves explicitly describing a character's traits and qualities through the narrator's voice or through the character's own statements. For example, "She was a fiercely independent woman, determined to make her own way in a man's world."
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Indirect Characterization: This technique shows a character's traits through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. For instance, a character who goes out of their way to help others in need may be inferred to be compassionate and altruistic.
Dialogue breaks up the narration and can add depth to characters. Some of the things a writer can convey through dialogue are:
- Personality traits
- Relationships between characters
- Motivation and desires
- Conflict or tension
- Emotional state
Dialogue should serve a purpose. Unnecessary dialogue can bog down a story. It should advance the plot, reveal character, or provide essential information to the reader.
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