The Secret to Great Characters — Characterization Explained

What is Characterization — the process of creating and building characters explained, including the two main types indirect and direct characterization with examples in film.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Characterization
00:44 - Characterization Definition
02:02 - Chapter 1: Direct Characterization
07:03 - Chapter 2: Indirect Characterization
12:37 - Chapter 3: Characterization in Casablanca
15:57 - Takeaways

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CHARACTERIZATION EXPLAINED

When authors and screenwriters create characters, they do so through a process called characterization. This generally involves providing information to the reader or viewer that builds these characters one layer at a time. By the end of the story, ideally, you would have a fully-formed character inside and out. When done right, the audience receives all this information without realizing it. In this video, we will uncover the two main characterization methods and their importance in creating dimensional, interesting, and engaging characters.

WHAT IS CHARACTERIZATION

Characterization is how writers present and describe their characters. Think about this — the task is to make the audience believe that the character is “real,” at least enough to empathize and engage with them. The audience must understand who these characters are based on how they look, what they say, how they act, where they live, what they wear, etc. A writer could just list off all of this information, but it’s usually more powerful for the audience to do their own assessment. Let’s look at the two main types of characterization.

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

In literature, direct characterization is how the author describes the character. In film, unless there is a narrator providing the same information, direct characterization is what we can observe about a character. For example, their appearance. A lot can be communicated immediately through the wardrobe, physicality, and hair/make-up. We can also intuit much about them from their settings, like their homes, car, or how they blend in (or not) with their environment. This is the more objective characterization technique.

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

The other main type is indirect characterization, which is what we can discern about a character through their behavior, actions, and dialogue. As you’ve heard, actions speak louder than words, and it is up to the audience to decipher these actions to complete the characterization. As Robert McKee notes, “The revelation of true character in contrast or contradiction to characterization is fundamental to all fine storytelling.”
Indirect and direct characterization can yield a character we believe in and root for.


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"Merge" - Theatre of Delays
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"Perfect Day (Chris Lord Alge Mix)" - Hoku
"Theme for The Irishman" - Robbie Robertson
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"Off to Work" - Michael Giacchino
"The Fall" - Hans Zimmer
"Dojo Tradition (Instrumental)" - In This World
"Yes I Am (Instrumental)" - Zach Sorgen
"Captain America Main Titles" - Alan Silvestri
"Future Markets" - Jonny Greenwood
"Dark Blood" - Jimmy Svensson
"Cantina Band" - John Williams
"The Throne Room and End Title" - John Williams
"Hand Covers Bruise" - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
"Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All" - Howard Shore
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"Medley (Paris Montage)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (At La Belle Aurore)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (It Had to Be You / Shine)" - Dooley Wilson
"A Glowing Light, a Promise" - Makeup And Vanity Set
"State Lines (Instrumental)" - Aaron Kellim

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