Class notes

1. DOUGY Character

2. TYPES OF
CHARACTERS
• Protagonist - The protagonist is the central person in
a story, and is often referred to as the story's main
character. He or she (or they) is faced with a conflict
that must be resolved. The protagonist may not
always be admirable (e.g. an anti-hero);
nevertheless s/he must command involvement on the
part of the reader, or better yet, empathy.
• Antagonist - The antagonist is the character(s) (or
situation) that represents the opposition against the
protagonist. In other words, the antagonist is an
obstacle that the protagonist must overcome.
Who (or what) in the novel is the protagonist?
Antagonist?

3. TYPES OF
CHARACTERS
• Dynamic - A dynamic character is a person who changes
over time, usually as a result of resolving a central conflict
or facing a major crisis. Most dynamic characters tend to
be central rather than peripheral characters, because
resolving the conflict is the major role of central characters.
• Static - A static character is someone who does not
change over time; his or her personality does not
transform or evolve.
• Round - A rounded character is anyone who has
a complex personality; he or she is often portrayed as a
conflicted and contradictory person.
• Flat - A flat character is the opposite of a round character.
This literary personality is notable for one kind of
personality trait or characteristic.
Identify some characters that would be: dynamic, static, round,
flat

4. CHARACTER MAP
Create a character map that shows the relationships
between the characters within the novel.
Give a little information about each character and
add to this as you read the novel.

5. WRITING
ACTIVITY:
ON THE COUCH
Your task is to construct an interview with a character
from the novel. Your interview is about delving deeper
into the personality of your chosen character and
providing your audience with extra insight into the
inner workings of your character. So in most cases the
questions you ask will require you to make inferences
about the character.
You should aim to ask at least 4-6 mostly open
questions and provide detailed responses.

6. WRITING
ACTIVITY:
ON THE COUCH
QUESTIONS
How would you describe yourself?
How would you describe your attitude in general?
Describe your personality in one word.
What would you say are your best qualities?
What would you say are your biggest character
flaws?
Would you consider yourself intelligent?
What is your life motto?
What is your greatest fear?
Who is/has been the greatest influence in your life?

7. CHARACTER ACTIVITIES
Choose ONE of the following tasks and complete this for homework. You may choose to focus on any character you
like.
CONTENTS OF THE CHARACTER’S POCKETS
We carry a lot of things in our pockets that give insight into our personality. In order to explore a character, decide on items that
would be found in his or her pockets. You could choose to gather these items and bring them in or else you might like to draw them.
Write a one paragraph justification explaining why you chose these objects and what they say about your character. Use
examples from the novel to support your points.
CHARACTER SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
We all have different tastes in music. Have you ever thought about the type of music that defines, or gives a glimpse of the inner
self? Think about the types of music that your character would listen to and that defines them. Remember the character’s music may
change as they change. Select 4-5 songs that you think reflects or ‘sounds like’ your chosen character. Then write a one paragraph
justification as to why you chose those songs. Use examples from the novel to support your points.
CHARACTER BOX
Select a character and a box/jar/bag/container that best represents them. Fill this with items (at least 5) that are somehow linked
to your character. It might be something you think your character would wear, own or eat. Write a one paragraph justification
explaining why you chose these objects and what they say about your character. Use examples from the novel to support your
points.