VisualLang

Characterization

Literature / Characterization

Characterization

59 Words

30m

1
character development
Noun

the process by which a fictional character is portrayed and transformed throughout a story

View Full Definition
2
archetype
ar
che
type
Noun

someone or something serving as the very typical example of a thing or person

View Full Definition
3
voice
voice
Noun

the sounds that a person makes when speaking or singing

Her voice was soft and soothing, perfect for reading bedtime stories.

View Full Definition
4
antagonist
an
ta
go
nist
Noun

villainous character who strongly opposes another person or thing

The antagonist in the novel was a cunning and ruthless villain, determined to thwart the protagonist's plans at every turn.

View Full Definition
5
an
ti
he
ro
Noun

the main character in a movie, book, etc. who lacks heroic qualities such as being morally good

View Full Definition
6
back
sto
ry
Noun

the events that have happened to a character before their story in a book, movie, etc. begins

The author revealed the protagonist's tragic backstory through a series of flashbacks scattered throughout the novel.

View Full Definition
7
character arc
Noun

the transformation or development of a fictional character over the course of a story

View Full Definition
8
ha
mar
tia
Noun

a negative trait or quality of a fictional character that leads to their downfall or contributes to their struggles or conflicts throughout the story

View Full Definition
9
character flaw
Noun

a negative trait or quality of a fictional character that leads to their downfall or contributes to their struggles or conflicts throughout the story

View Full Definition
10
characterization
cha
rac
te
ri
za
tion
Noun

the act of performing a role on stage by expressing a character through speech, action, and gesture

The actor's characterization of Hamlet was praised by critics.

View Full Definition
11
hero
he
ro
Noun

a person who deserves great admiration for their bravery or good deeds

View Full Definition
12
internal conflict
Noun

the psychological struggle that takes place within a character's mind or emotions

View Full Definition
13
narrator
na
rra
tor
Noun

the person who tells the story in a novel, poem, etc.

The narrator of the novel had a unique and captivating voice.

View Full Definition
14
personage
per
so
nage
Noun

a fictional character, especially one who plays a significant role in a story or narrative

View Full Definition
15
protagonist
pro
ta
go
nist
Noun

the main character in a movie, novel, TV show, etc.

The protagonist of the novel is a young orphan who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

View Full Definition
16
villain
vi
llain
Noun

the main bad character in a movie, story, play, etc.

The villain plotted to take over the kingdom.

View Full Definition
17
pathetic fallacy
Noun

the attribution of human traits and feelings to objects, animals, or natural phenomena in art and literature

View Full Definition
18
anthropomorphism
anth
ro
po
mor
phi
sm
Noun

the practice of attributing human qualities to objects or gods

View Full Definition
19
[break] the fourth wall
content.phrase

(of characters in a narrative) to speak directly to the audience or acknowledge that they are part of a fictional work

View Full Definition
20
author surrogate
Noun

a character in a work of fiction who is thought to represent the author's personal beliefs, experiences, or opinions

View Full Definition
21
audience surrogate
Noun

a character in a work of fiction who is used to help the audience understand and relate to the story

View Full Definition
22
unreliable narrator
Noun

a narrative technique in which the credibility and truthfulness of the narrator are called into question

View Full Definition
23
omniscient narrator
Noun

a narrative technique in which the narrator is all-knowing and has access to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of all the characters in the story

View Full Definition
24
shoulder angel
Noun

a fictional character, often portrayed as an angelic being, who represents a character's conscience or moral compass

View Full Definition
25
shoulder devil
Noun

a fictional character, often portrayed as an unethical being, who represents a character's inner voice of temptation

View Full Definition
26
point of view
point of view
content.phrase

a person's perspective or opinion on a particular matter

His point of view on the issue was quite different from mine.

View Full Definition
27
character
cha
rac
ter
Noun

the set of mental qualities that make a certain person different from others

Because of his honest character, people trust him implicitly.

View Full Definition
28
exposition
ex
po
si
tion
Noun

a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display

View Full Definition
29
mood
mood
Noun

the overall emotional atmosphere or feeling that surrounds a situation, place, or piece of art, influencing how it is perceived

The mood of the room changed instantly when the surprise announcement was made.

View Full Definition
30
fall
fall
Verb

to quickly move from a higher place toward the ground

Be careful not to slip and fall on the wet floor.

View Full Definition
31
reveal
re
veal
Verb

to make information that was previously unknown or kept in secrecy publicly known

In her memoir, the author courageously revealed her struggles with mental illness.

View Full Definition
32
complication
comp
li
ca
tion
Noun

the act of making something more difficult or complex

The varying requirements from state to state are a complication for nationwide product launches.

View Full Definition
33
relief
re
lief
Noun

a feeling of comfort that comes when something annoying or upsetting is gone

She felt a sense of relief when she heard the good news.

View Full Definition
34
dynamic character
Noun

a character in a story who undergoes significant internal changes and growth over the course of the narrative

View Full Definition
35
flat character
Noun

a character in a story who is not highly developed, and typically has only one or two distinguishing traits or characteristics

View Full Definition
36
foil
foil
Noun

thin, flexible metal sheet used for wrapping, covering, or cooking food

She wrapped the sandwich in foil to keep it fresh for later.

View Full Definition
37
ingenue
in
ge
nue
Noun

the role of an innocent artless young woman in a play

View Full Definition
38
round character
Noun

a complex and multidimensional character in a story, who often undergoes significant growth and change throughout the narrative

View Full Definition
39
static character
Noun

a character in a work of fiction who remains the same from the beginning of the story to the end, without undergoing significant personal development or change

View Full Definition
40
stock character
Noun

a stereotype or cliché character that is easily recognizable and often used in literature or other forms of media

View Full Definition
41
first-person narrative
Noun

a point of view in which the story is told from the perspective of a character using "I" or "we"

View Full Definition
42
second-person narrative
Noun

a point of view in which the story is told using "you" as the pronoun for the protagonist or narrator, making the reader or audience feel more involved in the story

View Full Definition
43
third-person narrative
Noun

a mode of storytelling where the narrator refers to characters using pronouns like "he" and "she" and is not a character in the story

In the third-person narrative, the author tells the story from an outside perspective, using pronouns such as "he," "she," or "they" to refer to the characters.

View Full Definition
44
love interest
Noun

a person who is romantically or emotionally involved with another person, often a central character in a story or narrative

The movie's love interest was a mysterious stranger with a hidden past.

View Full Definition
45
sidekick
side
kick
Noun

a close friend or companion

We've been best friends for years; he's my sidekick.

View Full Definition
46
father figure
Noun

a man who takes over all the functions of the real father

View Full Definition
47
mother figure
Noun

a woman who evokes the feelings usually reserved for a mother

View Full Definition
48
confidant
con
fi
dant
Noun

a person in whom one places trust and shares secrets or private thoughts and feelings

She was his closest confidant, knowing all his fears and hopes.

View Full Definition
49
deu
te
ra
go
nist
Noun

the second most important character after the protagonist, and often plays a key role in the story's development

View Full Definition
50
tertiary character
Noun

a character who appears in a supporting role and has minimal impact on the story

View Full Definition
51
symbolic character
Noun

a character in literature who represents an idea or a concept beyond their literal meaning and functions as a symbol to convey deeper meanings and themes

View Full Definition
52
heroine
he
roine
Noun

the main female character in a story, book, film, etc., typically known for great qualities

She admired the bravery of the heroine in the novel.

View Full Definition
53
sage
sage
Noun

aromatic gray-green leaves, fresh or dried, used as a seasoning for meats, poultry, and game

She added a pinch of sage to the stuffing for extra depth.

View Full Definition
54
fool
fool
Verb

to trick someone by making them believe something false or absurd

He fooled everyone with his elaborate story about winning the lottery.

View Full Definition
55
eve
ry
man
Noun

a literary or dramatic character representing the ordinary individual, often placed in extraordinary circumstances and often used to evoke empathy in the audience

View Full Definition
56
gentleman thief
Noun

a fictional character archetype who, despite engaging in criminal activities, is sophisticated, charming, and often possesses a strong moral code that sets them apart from other criminals

View Full Definition
57
boy next door
Noun

a type of character archetype often used in storytelling, representing a wholesome and relatable male love interest who typically has a close connection to the protagonist

View Full Definition
58
girl next door
Noun

a character archetype that is often described as wholesome, down-to-earth, and relatable

View Full Definition
59
black knight
Noun

a stock character often depicted as a sinister figure in literature and folklore who is usually the enemy of the hero

View Full Definition