B. Review of Related Theories
This part consists of theories that are going to be used in the analysis. Those are theory on character and characterization, theory on dream, and theory
on decision making. Besides, there is one additional theory on the relation between psychology and literature. This theory functions to explicate the
interrelation between psychology and literature.
1. Theory on Character and Characterization
This undergraduate thesis will analyze the characterizations of the main character, Charley Benneto. Theory on character becomes the starting point of the
analysis on the characterization of the main character. Abrams in his book entitled A Glossary of Literary Terms states that
Character are the person presented in a dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the readers as being endowed with moral, dispotional,
and emotional qualities that are expressed in what they say—the dialogue—and what they do—in the action. The grounds in the
characters’ temperament, desires, and moral nature for their speech and actions are called their motivation 1981: 23.
Murphy in Understanding Unseens illustrates some ways that author attempts to make his character understandable and come alive for readers:
a. Personal Description
To describe the character, the author explains physical appearances of the character. The description is often related to his psychological condition. The
personality itself can be reflected from the external appearance.
b. Character as Seen by Another
Instead of describing a character directly, the author can describe the character through the eyes and opinions of another.
c. Speech
The author can give us an insight into the thought of a certain character through what he or she says. Whenever a person speaks, whenever he is in
conversation with another, he is giving us some clue to his character. d.
Past Life By letting the reader learn something about a person’s past life, the
author can give us a clue to events that has helped to shape a person’s character. The character’s past life is always closely connected to his or her present life.
e. Conversation of Others
The author can also give us clues to a person’s character through the conversations of other people and the things they say about him.
f. Reaction
The author can also give us a clue to a person’s character by letting us know how that person reacts to various situations and events.
g. Direct Comment
The author can describe or comment on a person’s character directly. h.
Thought The readers follow the inner life of the character’s mind and then make
the association of his ideas. In brief, readers are facilitated to disclose the thought inside the character’s mind.
i. Mannerism
The author can describe a person’s mannerism, habits or idiosyncrasies which may also tell us something about his character 1972: 161-173.
Furthermore, Roberts and Jacobs state that round characters are usually the major character and central figures. An author develops them fully with many
traits. Round characters are many-sided and possess many unpredictable human traits. They are considered as dynamic for having capacity to change and grow. At
the beginning of a story, the major character may have different quality compared to the end of the story 1987: 121.
The opposite of round characters is flat characters. Flat characters do not change within the story. Flat characters are usually minor characters. They are
static and usually face the same challenges. To reveal whether they are round or flat, readers must use their own knowledge and experience with human beings to
make finding about character’s quality 1987: 121-122.
2. Theories of Dream
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