10 the novel is also supporting to understand the novel. For such reasons, it is
important to know the kinds of the characters and how the characters in the novel are characterized.
a. Character
According to Abrams 1981, there are two kinds of characters, namely flat and round characters p.20. A flat character is not described in a complex
way; it can be characterized by a single sentence or in other words described in a general way. On the other hand, a round character is described in a more complex
way. For example, sometimes it has more than one characteristic and some changes from one characteristic to another characteristic.
Holman 1986 uses different terms for kinds of characters, namely static and dynamic characters p.83. A static character changes rarely towards the
actions and experiences. Rarely means it experiences a little bit change or not at all. A dynamic character changes its characteristic or for instance, its personality
by actions or experiences which influence them to change. Sometimes, the author uses both dynamic and static to characterize a character. For example, the author
may use static characters for the beginning of actions and use dynamic characters for the result of the action.
b. Theory of characterization
Murphy 1972 defines some theories of characterization. As stated by Murphy 1972, there are few of the ways in which an author attempts to make his
characters understandable to, and come alive for, his reader p.161. He classifies nine ways of revealing the characters personality. They are consist of:
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1 Personal description
In this technique, the author, as one of the characters in the novel, describes the character‘s appearance directly. He describes the character‘s face,
skin, eyes, and hair in detail. In describing the character, the author also uses adjective words for example strong, heavy, and so on,
that shows the character‘s physical appearance.
2 Character as seen by another
In this technique, the author describes a certain character from the other character‘s eyes and opinions. For example, he gives the impression of shape,
cleanliness, firmness, and smoothness of a certain character.
3 Speech
In this way, the author gives clues through what a certain character‘s says in the novel. The author can describe the clues from the conversation with
another, the character‘s opinion or when the character speaks.
4 Past life
In this method, the author describes a certain character‘s past life directly. The description can be given through the character‘s thoughts, conversation, or
through the medium of another person.
5 Conversation of others
This technique uses conversation of other characters about a certain character. The conversation often gives us a clue about whom it is being spoken.
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6 Reactions
In this way, the author describes a certain character‘s reactions or responses to various situation and events.
7 Direct comments
In this method, the author describes the character or gives comment on the character directly. In this way, the author becomes the narrator of the novel to
comment about the character.
8 Thoughts
The author describes what a certain character thinks. The author can describe a person‘s mannerisms or habits which may also tell us something about
his or her character.
9 Mannerisms
The author can give us clues from the characte r‘s habits, mannerisms or
actions which are repeated in the novel. In order to get a clearer image of the character, the researcher decides to
apply the theories of characterization so that both the readers and the researcher can get proper image of the main character in this novel. The researcher only uses
some ways of the way authors reveal the characters personality, those are personal description, speech, conversation with others, thought, reaction, and direct
comment. According to Abrams 1981, there are two methods in characterizing
characters, namely ―showing‖ and ―telling‖ p.21. In showing the characters, the
author describes them through actions and dialogues, but he or she does not
13 include the characters‘ motives of the actions and dialogues. In telling the
characters, the author describes not only the physical appearance, but also the motives and sometimes evaluates the characters. The author, for instance, also
comments on what the character says and does. According to Klarer 1999, the explanatory characterization is used for
―telling‖ method and dramatic characterization for ―showing‖ method pp.19-20. In explanatory characterization, the author becomes the narrator who describes the
character‘s actions and dialogue including the narrator‘s comment and evaluation towards the character. The dramatic characterization, places the author as an
obvious narrator. It means that the author describes the character‘s utterances and actions without giving any comment or intervention.
2. Theory of Personality Development
