Feminism Character Definition of Terms
Arp and Johnson 2012: 12 mention some types of characters as below: a.
static character does not change throughout the work, and the reader’s knowledge of that character does not grow. While a dynamic character
undergoes some kind of change because of the action in the plot. A
A b.
flat character embodies one or two qualities, ideas, or traits that can be readily described in a brief summary. They are not psychologically complex
characters and therefore are readily accessible to readers. Round characters are more complex than flat characters, and often display the inconsistencies and
internal conflicts found in most real people. They are more fully developed, and therefore are harder to summarize.
According to Robert and Jacob, there are four ways to characterize or make characters understandable for readers:
a. What the characters themselves say and think
What characters say or think may reflect a momentary emotional or intellectual state. However, this reflection should be considered on the situation or
contexts of a statement. b.
What the characters do Actions that characters have can be interpreted as sign of characters as
what people usually said that actions speak louder than words, mean that actions of character can show clearly how the character looks like and how the character’s
personality is. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
c. What other characters say about them
As in real life where people are accustomed to gossiping others, in fiction an author also presents that situation. Other characters give their opinion of a
character. d.
What the author says about them Usually what the author says about character is accepted accurately.
By correctly interpreting the tools of characterization used by an author, readers can arrive at clear understanding of what characters in stories are like. It is
important to have a good understanding of a character because the personality of the character contributes to the plot development, conflict in a story, and the
description of a character.