Theory of Character REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
10 with another, he is reflecting his personality. From his speech we know
his attitude toward other characters and life. d.
Past life The author can also describe his or her character by letting the readers
learn some events or experiences about the character’s past life that has some close connection to his present life. The author gives a clue about
the character’s past experiences or moments which have influenced and formed the character’s personality. This can be done through some
straight comments from the author himself through his conversation with other characters or through the means of another character.
e. Conversation of others
The author gives the readers hints to a character’s personality from the other character’s conversation about other character.
f. Reactions
The author can describe the character’s personality through his reaction on different situations and moments, so that the readers may
know the quality of the character in dealing with the situations and moments encountered by the character.
g. Direct comment
The author can describe the character’s personality explicitly by giving his opinion and comment about the character.
11 h.
Thought The author lets the readers know the character’s personality by stating
explicitly what is in the character’s mind. The readers are led to the mental process of the character that conveys ideas.
i. Mannerism
The author describes the character’s behavior and also his habits both the positive and the negatives ones. From his habits and behavior the
readers can know the reflection of his personality. In his book Structure, Sound and Sense Perrine says that “to be
convincing, characterization must also observe three principles” 1974: 69. The principles are:
a. Consistency in behavior
Characters must not behave one way on one occasion and a different way on another unless there is a clearly sufficient reason
for the changes. b.
Motivation Characters should be motivated in whatever they do especially
when there is any change in their behavior. Readers must be able to understand the reasons for what they do if not immediately, or at
least by the end of the story.
12 c.
Plausibility Characters must be plausible or lifelike. They must be relevant to
the readers. Characters must have some traits which are the same as those of human beings in the real world.