According to Abcarian and Klotz 1988, characterization is the process in which the characters are changed to make them seem real to the readers.
Characterization cannot be separated from the other elements of fiction, because it depends on the other elements such as tone, plot, theme, setting, and so on p.6.
Based on Murphy 1972, there are seven ways that an author uses to reveal the characters, so that it become understandable and real to the readers’ imagination
pp.161-173. a.
Personal description This is the common way used by the author to show the character by giving
personal description such as the character’s appearance and what kind of clothes he or she wears.
b. Character as seen by others
In this method, the author using others character’s point of view toward certain character, instead of using other character’s point of view toward the
character. The readers can study the character through other characters.
c. Speech
There are many ways to reveal the character. It is not only by describing the character’s outside look, but also through the words he or she said when the
character speaks to someone else or gives his or her opinion.
d. Past life
The past life of a character can give the readers clue. The character’s past life helps the readers to shape the character. The readers can find out about the
character’s past life through the author description, the character’s thought, or through the characters conversation with others.
e. Conversation with others
The author gives clue regarding a character through the conversation of other characters about him or her and the thing they say about him or her. People
sometimes talk about other people and what they say often gives a clue to the character of the person spoken about.
f. Reactions
The character’s reaction toward various situations and events, gives the readers description about the character’s personality. The readers can learn the
character by analyzing the character’s attitude when he or she faces some problem or encounters conflict.
g. Direct Comment
Sometimes, the author gives clue about the character’s through his or her comment or direct description. The author direct comment itself, can lead the
reader to learn about character.
h. Thoughts
Through the character’s thought, the readers can read the character’s personality. The character’s thought in a novel is honest and come from the
character’s heart. Sometimes, when the character talk with others, the things he or she says or opinion is not honest. Meanwhile, thought is pure and honest. It
can help the readers learn the character better.
i. Mannerism
