setting in which they move. Moreover, Rohberger and Woods, Jr. 20 define characterization as the processes employed by an author to create character. The
creation of character includes particular personalities and physical attributes.
b. Methods of characterization
Murphy 161-173 in Understanding Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry and the English Novel for Overseas Students
proposes a theory referring to the presentation of characters in front of the readers, in order to make readers
comprehend and capable to reveal the c haracter’s personality and traits.
According to him, there are nine ways in which an author attempts to make his characters understandable and alive to his readers as follows:
1 Personal description
In this way, the author can describe who a character is based on physical appearance and clothing. The physical appearance such as face, eyes, hair, skin,
body, and the clothing such as how character wears clothes, what kind of clothes the character wears can make the readers have a better imagination about the
character. 2
Character as seen by other characters Here, the author also can introduce the character to the reader through the
eyes and opinions of other characters. The author represents the character’s performance and personality by letting other characters in his story tell what they
see of the character they encounter.
3 Speech
The author can give the readers inside into the character’s speech. Whenever the character speaks, whenever the character is involved in a
conversation with other characters, whenever the character puts forward an opinion are the readers’ hints of the character.
4 Past Life
The author can give the past life of character in the story in order to make the readers understand the character well. The past life of the character can build a
clue for the readers about events which catalyze in shaping the character’s disposition. The narration is through descendant of direct comment from the
author, the character’s thoughts, the character’s conversation, and also through the medium of another character.
5 Conversation of Others
Through conversations with other characters, the author can give clues to the readers in order to s
how the character’s personality. People often talk about other people and the thing they say may give us reference to the character of the
person spoken about. 6
Reactions The author may give clues to the character’s personality by letting the
readers to know how the character reacts to various situations and events. The character often reacts to various situations and events which may reveal the
character’s personality. By doing so, the author can present a clue to the readers
