Characterization Review of Related Theories

2.1.3 Characterization

Holman and Harmon in their A Handbook to Literature define characterization as “the creation of imaginary person. Even tough they are created imaginatively, they are seen to be real and exist for the readers or audience as lifelike 81.” There are three fundamental methods of characterization in fiction. First is the explicit presentation of the character by the author through direct exposition illustrated by the action. Second is the presentation of the character in action of the expectation that the reader will be able to deduce the attributes of the actor from the actions. The last is the representation from within a character of the impact of the actions and emotions on the character’s inner beauty, with the expectation that the reader will come to a clear understanding of the attributes of the character Holman and Harmon, 81. Abrams also presents different ways of characterization. He points out two ways in characterization, namely “showing and telling”. Showing or also called “the dramatic method” means that the author describes the character by giving what the character says and does in the novel. The readers, therefore, have to conclude the character by themselves. Telling is direct description about character given either by the author him or herself or by another characters in the novel 21. M.J Murphy distinguishes nine ways of how an author reveals the character’s personalities and traits to the readers 161-173. First is personal description . In the personal description, the author can describe a person’s PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI appearance such as face, body and clothes. It is very important because it gives clues about the character. Second is character as seen by another. In this case, the author can describe the character through the eyes and opinion of another. Third is speech where the author can give some clues to the character through what a person says when he or she speaks in a conversation or puts forward an opinion. Forth is past life. The author can give the reader a clue to events that have helped to shape a person’s character by letting the reader to learn about that person’s past life. Fifth is conversation with others. The author can give the reader clues to a person’s character through the conversation of other people and the things they say about him or her. Sixth is reaction. In this case, the author gives us a clue to a person’s character by permitting us to know how that person reacts to various situations and events. Seventh is thoughts. The author can give the readers direct knowledge of what a person is thinking about, because what is in the person’s mind and what he or she feels are reflected on his or her character. Eighth is direct comment. The author can give comment on a person’s character directly. The last one is mannerism. The author can describe a person’s mannerism, habits or peculiarities that may also tell about his or her character. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

2.1.3 Theory of Motivation