Xii English: Novel Insights & Literary Devices

NOVEL: Characterization & Symbolism Q:1 What Is Characterization?Characterization refers to how an author reveals a character's personality through descriptions of appearance, behavior, and relationships with others. Generally, authors use direct or indirect means to achieve characterization. Direct characterization occurs when the writer comes right out and gives the reader information. Indirect characterization is a bit more complicated. A writer may reveal a character's personality by describing or emphasizing certain aspects of his or her appearance. Characterization in Lord of the Flies In lord of the flies, we find an unspecified number of boys are stranded on Golding’s island; some remain fairly faceless while four emerge with crystal clarity. Ralph, undeniably a “good kid”, is the protagonist who gets a leadership role. He is ultimately unable to fulfill this vocation and nearly loses his life at the end. Jack, the main antagonist and a rival to Ralph, exudes frustration and a desire to control his fellow castaways. Piggy, who becomes a friend to Ralph, is overweight, asthmatic, with weak vision,