2 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 7

used to build a character in fiction. These include narrative summary with judgment that is implied, narrative account without judgment, the surface details such as dress and appearance as mentioned in the previous section, actions, speech and thoughts (61-62). There is frequently establishment of background information about characters, which tells a reader more about them so readers can identify with them and/or further understand what the characters do, as well.

To further his development of Emily Grierson, Faulkner uses a description of the Grierson home to indicate her reclusiveness in her declining years. The group of aldermen knocked on a door that "no visitor had passed since she ceased giving china-painting lessons eight or ten years earlier" (79). Faulkner also indicates Emily's self-induced removal from society by telling the reader that, "After her father's death she went out very little; after her sweetheart went away, people hardly saw her at all" (80). Emily expresses her pride through her actions and words, especially when she refuses the help of the townspeople following the death of her father.
Her loneliness is best revealed through the line, "Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head" (84).

Poe's grief-stricken narrator in "The Raven," is drawn completely in his characterization of the man's thoughts and his dialogue with the ominous black bird. The reader is met with this scholar dozing over his books, but quickly learns the source of his misery"sorrow for the lost Lenore" (1173).
The reader is then taken on a journey with the scholar through first fear of the message the raven may be bringing, and then something deeper and darkhis desire to have Lenore from the land of death. Both madness and hopelessness are at last depicted through the narrator's eyes in the final two lines of the poem, "And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor / Shall be liftednevermore" (1175).

The characterization of Gregor Samsa in Kafka's novella is precisely detailed throughout "The Metamorphosis." At the beginning of the tale, he is extremely self-sacrificing toward his shiftless family.
He has a job that he dislikes, but to which he remains loyal. Though Kafka never spells it out, the reader gathers there is pent-up resentment Gregor feels toward his family. However, as his transformation takes place, Gregor displays acts of self-preservation, at least twice. First, he defends his belongings as his sister attempts

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• ...
• 7
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The major elements of writing fiction?
We want to hear your view. Write now!