Theory on Character and Characterization
Forster in Aspects of the Novel mentions that the character in the story is real when the author knows everything about it. He can tell all of the facts and he can
hide some of them 1974: 44. E.M. Foster in his book Aspects of the Novel introduces new way to
differentiate a character, and those are flat and round characters. Flat characters are characters that are created around a single idea and quality and they are
presented without many characteristics details. Whereas, round characters are usually presented with subtle characteristics and this kind of characters are more
like people in real life 1974: 57. In A Handbook to Literature, Holman and Harmon state that
characterization is the creation of imaginary persons in fictions drama, novel, short story, or narrative poem, in order that they exist for the reader as lifelike.
They define three methods of characterization: firstly, by the explicit presentation from the author of the character through direct exposition; secondly, by the
presentation of the character in action; and thirdly, by the representation from within a character 1986: 81.
There are several ways to make the characters understandable to the readers as mention in Murphy’s Understanding Unseen 1972: 161-173:
a. By personal description: the author describes a person’s appearance and clothes to build the character.
b. By presenting the characters as seen by another character: the author describes his character through another character’s eyes and opinions, instead of directly
describing the character. 9
c. By speech: the character is recognized by the readers from what other persons in the story say about it.
d. By past life: letting the readers know and learn something about a character’s past life surely can provide clues as to what shape the person’s character.
e. By the conversation of others: when other characters talk about the character, it can give some clues to recognize the character being talked about.
f. By reactions: considering a person’s reaction toward some situations or events may give the readers some clues about the character.
g. By direct comment: the author can also describe or comment on a person’s character directly.
h. By thoughts: by knowing what a person is thinking about, the readers will be able to recognize the person’s character.
i. By mannerisms: the author can describe a person’s mannerisms or habits in order to tell the readers some things about his character.
Little, in his Approach to Literature, adds that characters may be presented mainly through descriptive and dramatic methods. By the description and
discussion, the character and even the story will be easier to be understood. On the other hand, using the author’s reporting on the character’s speech and action in the
dramatic method, it will make the character and the story more vivid and lively. Unfortunately, it will be relatively difficult for the reader to understand if the
dramatic method used in extreme forms 1981: 89-90. As a final point, Little states that “to be of interest and value in literature,
characterization must be to some degree realistic”. The consistency of character is 10
vital to development of the plot. Therefore, even in a fantasy, an essential element is truth to life. The character should be real, believable, and based on possible
variations of human nature so that the readers are able to identify themselves with the human creatures, to maintain the interest and concern with the theme of the
story 1981: 92.