Stock Characters and Stereotypes

emotional, intellectual, or appearance value. 2 To give impressive values toward character is called characterization. The process of describing character is called characterization. Characterization means how the writer tells the reader about the physical and non- physical characteristic of the person told in the story but characterization in film is different with characterization in literary works because film is a visual story telling so that the characterization of a character in film more complicated and detailed than in literary works. Characterization of a character in film can be given in some ways; such as characterization through appearance, dialogue, through external and internal action, and through reaction of other characters. And even setting has contribution as the characterization of a character in a film; it can be determiner of character and reflection of character. 3 Characterization in film has some values that could be showed, like characterization appearance. A character is showed physical, dress, facial feature, mannerisms and the way they move. And other characterization in film is dialogue; characters in film could reflect themselves and give point from viewers only with their style when their say and talk with other characters. And there are some ways like characterization through internal and external action, and through reaction of other characters become important thing in film and also influence viewers in interpreting the characterization of certain character. 2 Rosenhaim, JR, Edward W. What Happen in Literature. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. 1960. P. 79. 3 Joseph M. Boggs and Dennis W. Petrie 2000 , op. cit. P. 50. Characters are clearly different with characterization. If the characters are all individuals or figures in the story, the characterization is the way how the author shows the figures. The author displays those characters through several images such as dialogue, behavior, movement, and so on.

1. Characterization Through Appearance

Because most film actors project certain qualities of character the minute they appear on the screen, characterization in film has a great deal to do with casting. A major aspect of film characterization is revealed visually and instantaneously. Although some actors may be versatile enough to project completely different qualities in different roles, most actors are not. The minute we see most actors on the screen, we make certain assumptions about them because of their facial features, dress, physical build, and mannerisms and the way they move. Our first visual impression may be proven erroneous as the story progresses, but it is certainly an important means of establishing character.

2. Characterization Through Dialogue

Characters in a fictional film naturally reveal a great deal about themselves by what they say. But a great deal is also revealed by how they say it. Their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can be revealed in subtle ways through word choice and through the stress, pitch, and pause patterns of their speech. Actors’ use of grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and particular dialects if any reveals a great deal about their characters’ social and economic level, educational background, and mental processes.