Theory of Characterization Theory of Character and Characterization

12 background. Telling about past life can be done in several ways through conversation, direct comment, and t hought. One’s characteristics can be seen from the past life through experiences. The fifth method proposed by Murphy 1972 is through conversation of others. A character ’ characteristics can also be seen from the conversation that happens among other characters. The way of the other characters talk about the intended character can describe hisher characteristics. The sixth method proposed by Murphy 1972 is through reaction. The characteristics can be seen from the way the character shows hisher reaction in various situations and events. The characteristics can be seen when the character reacts something. Through the reaction, readers can infer the character’s characteristics. The seventh method proposed by Murphy 1972 is through direct comment. The author can describe or give comments on a character ’s characteristics through narration, especially in third-person narrator. The eighth method proposed by Murphy 1972 is through hisher own thought. An author gives direct information about a character ’s thought or even tells about what other characters think about a certain character. An author acts as heshe knows everything that is on a character ’s mind. The last method proposed by Murphy 1972 is through mannerism. The characteristics of a character can be analyzed through a person’s mannerism and habit that tell about hisher characteristics. Most of characteristics are seen easily through the manners. On the other hand, Card 1988 states other ways of characterization. He also proposes nine ways of characterization pp. 5-13. The first way proposed by Card 1988 is through motive. Motive is what gives moral value to a character ’s acts. In 13 real life, motive cannot be understood fully. In fiction, however, an author can help readers understand a character’s motive with the clarity or even certainty. The second way proposed by Card 1988 is through a character’s past life. Knowing the character ’s past revises readers understanding of who heshe is today. According to Card 1988, people are what they have done and what has been done to them. In creating a fiction character, telling about past can help readers understand the intended character at the time of the story. The third way proposed by Card 1988 is through a character’s reputation. Whether the reputation of the character is deserved or not, part of a character’s identity is what others say about herhim. When other characters gives personal judgment to a certain character, readers can use it to see hisher characteristics. Therefore, readers can conclude the characteristics from what others say. The fourth way proposed by Card 1988 is through a character’s stereotype. The moment when people see a stranger, immediately they start classifying himher according to the group they recognize where shehe belongs to. Similar to a fictional character, a character who fits with stereotype is familiar. Therefore, an author can use the stereotypes to make readers think that they understand herhim. The fifth way proposed by Card 1988 is through a character’s network. Network is also startling and effective devices in fiction to take out of character in one setting. Network puts them in another condition where difference of personality comes to the fore. The sixth way proposed by Card 1988 is through a character’s habits and patterns. A character ’s habits and patterns of behavior are definitely a part of who a character is. Habits do not only make a character more realistic, but also open up