AP English Literature and Composition Flashcards: Direct and indirect characterization; dynamic and static characters
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
When a character is shown constantly studying and turning down social events to work on a project, what method of characterization is used?
This is indirect characterization, as the character's traits (e.g., ambitious, hardworking) are revealed through their actions.
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When a character is shown constantly studying and turning down social events to work on a project, what method of characterization is used?
This is indirect characterization, as the character's traits (e.g., ambitious, hardworking) are revealed through their actions.
How can the development of dynamic and static characters contribute to a literary work?
The degree to which a character changes (dynamic) or stays the same (static) can contribute to the overall meaning of the work.
List the five ways a character's traits can be revealed through indirect characterization.
Traits are revealed through a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, appearance, and the way other characters react to them.
What is indirect characterization?
Indirect characterization occurs when a character's traits are revealed through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, appearance, and how others react to them.
According to the learning objective, what is the function of a character's specific, recurring traits?
A character's specific, recurring traits function to reveal and develop that character, contributing to the narrative's overall meaning.
Define a static character.
A static character is one who remains largely unchanged throughout the narrative.
What are the two primary ways a character's traits are presented in a narrative?
Characters in a narrative have traits that can be categorized as either direct (explicitly stated) or indirect (implicitly revealed).
Define a dynamic character.
A dynamic character is one who changes over the course of the narrative.
What is the primary difference between dynamic and static characters?
Dynamic characters undergo significant internal change throughout the story, while static characters do not.
If a narrator states, "She was the most ambitious person in the company," what type of characterization is being used?
This is an example of direct characterization, as the narrator is explicitly describing the character's trait of ambition.
What is direct characterization?
Direct characterization occurs when a narrator explicitly describes a character's traits.