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generalized details, such as age or race.

The reader sees Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" through the eyes of his unnamed narrator; therefore, the reader never really gains a complete view of this young man. Poe himself mentioned once that the man was a young scholar, as displayed by the man slumping tiredly over the volumes of "forgotten lore" (1173). The reader gains a clear picture of his depressed countenance or "sad fancy" (1174), once he or she learns of the death of the narrator's love. More detailed, however, are the reader's impression of the "rare and radiant maiden" (1175), the dearly departed Lenore. Though vague in specifics, it gives the reader the idea that this woman was indeed lovely, at least in the eyes of the narrator. Also, the raven itself is drawn with wonderful description. The "ebony bird" is told to be "stately," but also "ghastly, grim and ancient" (1174).

On the other hand, Franz Kafka offers an extremely detailed description of his protagonist's newly altered appearance in the opening scenes of "The Metamorphosis."
"When Gregor Samsa awoke in his bed one morning from unquiet dreams, he found himself transformed into an enormous insect" (612). Despite his unpleasant outer appearance, Gregor is still the very same earnest young insurance salesman he was the evening before. The opening chapter portrays Gregor in dual roles as both creature and human.

Kafka paints the supporting characters with broad strokes. Gregor's parents are elderly, Mr. Samsa and unsuccessful businessman who is unmotivated to work any longer; Mrs. Samsa a dutiful mother who is unable to keep herself from fainting at the sight of her son. She is also an asthmatic who, because of her health and age is unsuccessful in defending Gregor. Younger sister Grete, seventeen and a musician, is the only one of the family who has an intimate relationship with her brother, despite her disgust over his new appearance. Gregor's supervisors, the servants and lodgers are caricatures of people in their varying positions. However, what is interesting is how much Gregor's family, not Gregor, transforms throughout the course of the novella.

Characterization: The Motives

Physical characteristics may provide the image of the central players, but characterization drives a story forward by providing intent and reasons for what those characters say or do. According to DiYanni, characterization is the means by which the author presents his or her character. Several effective techniques may be

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