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.

2. Religious Fanaticism

Religious fanaticism is a term that is used to describe a concept about one’s understanding of the word of God which is absolute and ultimate. While some people would believe that fanaticism is a form of faith steadiness, some others believe that fanaticism is an intolerant action Wijaya, 1997: 2-4. Winston Churchill stated that a fanatic is one who cannot change his mind and will not change the subject. This means to say that fanatic person is someone who only believes in his ideology. Religious fanaticism is considered by some to be the most extreme form of fanaticism. It is notable that religion followers are the target of accusation of religious fanaticism. According to Alexander Pruss in his article entitled Consequentialism and fanaticism religious and otherwise posted on September 24, 2006, religion is beneficial when it increases the average happiness of a society. The action and behaviors that are related to the religion can be justified because it increases the happiness or utility of relevant person, but “as soon as ones theory of the good moves away from considerations of happiness, one tends to get fanaticism. For instance, if the good is the religious salvation of humankind, the consequentialism 11 will allow one to murder or torture people when they stand in the way of the religious goals” http:rightreason.ektopos.comarchives2007. In brief, religious fanatics will allow themselves to torture or even kill people to gain religious goal. Ghassan Rubeiz in his article entitled My God is Better than your God posted on April 20, 2004, stated that this kind of fanaticism defeats the main purpose of religion which is to give our life meaning. In short, this kind of fanaticism is very dangerous. Gretty M. Mirdal in his seminar paper on Nuclear War and Planetary Emergencies entitled The Psychology of Terrorism: Fanatical Identities stated that: In the original sense of the word a fanatic from fanum meaning a holy site in Latin is a person who is passionately engaged in a religious cause. His belief dominates all other aspects of life, and signs that contradict it are ignored. Earlier alliances are deserted and feelings of compassion blunted. Individuality is replaced by allegiance to a group of co-believers, and by obedience to its leaders. To a fanatic the world is divided into two categories, those that are with him and those that are against. There are either allies or enemies. This theory assumes that a religious fanatic is the one who is dominated by religious goal and in order to become a fanatic he or she must be able to give the total submission to the target group and leave the other aspect of his or her life behind. This means that a person with a battered sense of individuality will be more susceptible to becoming a fanatic. As the person surrenders his or her life to the group, he or she absorbs completely the beliefs of the group, obeys the leader of the group fully and sees everything that contradicts his or her newfound belief as enemies. 12 PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI