Characters
This is the person or thing working against the main character. They aren't always a "bad guy" though.
Antagonist
What type of characterization is this? What trait can be inferred?
Mark clenched his fists and yelled at his friend, his face turning red.
Indirect. Actions.
A woman gets mad at her neighbors and tries to get them to leave?
Character v character
What happens in the exposition?
We meet characters, establish the setting, might introduce the conflict.
A few weeks ago, my dad bought the cutest little cat. He really likes playing with it, and he's always petting it. Sometimes he even brings it to work, but that's a secret.
First person POV
This is a character that changes their personality or beliefs because of what happened in the story.
Dynamic character
What type of characterization is this? What trait can be inferred?
Julia smiled. "I'm so excited to try the rollercoaster! I know a lot of people my age are too scared, but I never have been for some reason."
Indirect. Speech.
A boy starts feeling bad that he's not as smart as the other kids in his class.
Character vs self
What happens in the inciting incident?
Something changes the protagonist's life. The action starts and the conflict is set into motion.
Julia wasn't the most popular girl, but she always wanted to be. She'd look at the other girls and wonder what made them so different from her.
Third person limited
This is the main character. They usually drive the action.
Protagonist
What type of characterization? What trait?
While Betty was smiling at the cashier, she was thinking of shoving her cart into the woman. How dare the cashier be so rude to her ealier, Betty thought while paying.
Indirect. Thoughts.
A thunderstorm hits a town, and the citizens must work together to survive.
Character vs nature
What happens in the rising action?
Happens after the inciting incident and leads up to the climax. Builds tension. Longest part of the story.
First, you will need to put the marshmellow on the stick. Then, you will carefully place it over the fire until it is a light brown color. Be careful not to set it on fire.
Second person.
This is a character that we don't know a lot about. They usually have one or two personality traits.
Flat character
What type of characterization? What trait?
When Steve walked into class, everyone rolled their eyes. Jimmy shoved his books onto the desk next to him in the hopes that Steve wouldn't sit there.
Indirect. Effects on others.
A woman stands up against her entire town because she doesn't think their laws are fair.
Character vs society
What's the climax?
The most dramatic or tense moment of the story. A turning point. Things change after the climax. The protagonist must confront the conflict directly.
When the sun set, James looked at Sally. “I should go home,” he said. “Alright.” She did not even look at him. James didn't stand up to leave though. They continued to sit and watch the stars.
Third person objective.
This is a character who doesn't change their personality or beliefs during a story.
A static character
What type of characterization? Trait?
The man who walked in had dirty hands, mud on his boots, and wore a hardhat. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he couldn't even keep his eyes open.
Indirect. Looks.
What is the resolution?
The end of the story. Answers final questions. Shows how characters' situations changed, what their life is like now.
Third person omniscient.