VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
Lesson 27. Explicit and Implicit Knowledge│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing
SummaryTranscriptChat

Lesson 27. Explicit and Implicit Knowledge│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

Understanding Characterization in Literature

Explicit vs. Implicit Characterization

  • Readers gain knowledge about characters through explicit descriptions provided by the narrator, as seen in Norman Maclean's portrayal of his father’s certainty about life and art.
  • An example from Maclean illustrates that while explicit details are informative, they represent only a small part of what readers understand about a character. The reader learns more through actions and dialogue.
  • The conversation between Norman and his father regarding the spelling of their name highlights generational differences and implicit characterization, revealing deeper insights into their identities and values.
  • This exchange emphasizes how much characterization relies on unwritten implications rather than straightforward descriptions, making narrative analysis complex.
  • A clear distinction is made between explicit characterization (direct description) and implicit characterization (understanding through actions), which is crucial for writers to grasp fully.

Examples of Characterization Techniques

  • In Maggie Shipstead’s "The Cowboy Tango," explicit characterization describes Sammy as “skinny,” while implicit characterization reveals her competence and care for animals through her actions with a difficult horse.
  • The phrase “show don’t tell” encapsulates the idea that demonstrating character traits through action often provides richer insights than mere description does. This principle underscores effective storytelling techniques.

Character Description and Characterization Techniques

Types of Descriptions in Literature

  • The drowned man is depicted as a paragon of masculinity—big, strong, and virile. This concrete description sets a clear image for the reader.
  • Abstract descriptions emerge from villagers' impressions, suggesting he could command nature itself. These hyperbolic elements enrich the character's portrayal but are immeasurable.
  • Both abstract and concrete descriptions coexist within narratives, enhancing character depth without relying solely on direct narrative techniques.

Examples of Character Description

  • In Raymond Carver’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” the narrator uses linking verbs to describe a female character's physical traits and preferences, establishing her state of being clearly.
  • Nathan Englander’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank” contrasts this by using action verbs to reveal character traits dynamically; the hat becomes part of the living character through motion rather than static description.

Techniques for Building Characters

  • Descriptive techniques can be categorized into explicit (direct description) and implicit (characterization through actions). Understanding these methods is crucial for effective storytelling.

Characterization Through Behavior

  • A character's behavior significantly shapes audience perception. An example from "Lawrence of Arabia" illustrates how actions convey deeper insights about a character's personality.
  • Lawrence’s interaction with enlisted men reveals his unique nature; he addresses them formally, creating distance while demonstrating indifference to pain through his match trick.

Characterization Through Behavior and Context

The Role of Foreshadowing in Characterization

  • The scene illustrates foreshadowing through the ordinary men's aversion to pain, highlighting their realistic reactions. Lawrence's smug smile signifies his confidence and sets the stage for his character development.

Environmental Influence on Characters

  • Context plays a crucial role in shaping characters; for instance, Ned Stark's character changes dramatically when removed from his comfort zone.
  • Lawrence becomes a folk hero among Arabs by orchestrating a daring plan against the Turks, showcasing how leadership in challenging environments can elevate one's status.
  • Despite initial doubts about crossing the Nefud desert, Lawrence’s determination inspires success, transforming him into a living legend among the Arabs.
  • The absence of testing contexts would prevent viewers from fully understanding Lawrence's character; he thrives under pressure and adversity.
  • Different environments (e.g., cattle auction vs. fashion show) provide contrasting impressions of characters, emphasizing that context is vital for characterization.

Character Interactions as a Tool for Characterization

  • Other characters' actions also shape perceptions; Stevenson’s "Treasure Island" exemplifies this through Jim's observations of contrasting personalities at an inn.
  • The pirate guest is depicted as rude and intimidating, while Dr. Livesey’s calm demeanor highlights his contrasting nature during interactions with the pirate.
  • Stevenson encourages readers to compare these two characters based on their appearances and behaviors, enhancing depth in characterization.
  • Dr. Livesey confronts the pirate with courage and composure, demonstrating self-assurance that defines his character amidst chaos.

Characterization in Narration

Understanding Character Knowledge

  • The narrator's perspective on characters can be explicit, providing concrete or abstract descriptions that shape the reader's understanding.
  • Implicit knowledge is conveyed through a character’s behavior and their interactions with others and their environment, which collectively influence the reader's impression of them.

Crafting Great Characters

  • Effective characterization showcases a diverse range of personalities, reflecting the complexity and variety found within humanity itself.
Playlists: The Mechanics of Fiction Writing
Video description

Readers can get to know characters well over the course of a story. But a writer's intuition about how this process unfolds isn't always reliable. We'll discuss how the reader learns what they know about characters--primarily through distinguishing between description and characterization. This is one of the trickier elements of character-building for writers to master. If you're interested in supporting this channel so I can continue to make videos like this one and others, please like, subscribe, and share with other writers. You can also help support the channel directly by visiting: https://www.rowelit.com/support The companion book for this series containing lecture notes and exercises is tailored to sharpen the skills covered in each lesson and is available through my online bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/author/p.e.rowe Purchasing a copy for yourself or a fellow writer helps to support this channel and your own writing skills.