Lord of Flies Characterization

Literature and the Arts Name: __________________________
Introduction to Civilizations Date Due: _______________________

Lord of the Flies
by
William Golding

Assignment #2: CHARACTERS

Authors use a variety of techniques to show us the nature of their characters, making them realistic and “whole” so we can picture them clearly and identify or respond to them. These techniques can be summarized as follows:
(1) Physical description (using adjectives, similes, metaphors, etc.)
(2) Dialog and thoughts of the character
(3) Actions and gestures of the character
(4) Thoughts and words of other characters about the character

Complete the four steps below to examine two of Golding’s main characters: Ralph and Jack.

Step 1: Use the left-hand column on back to copy words, phrases, and passages you find in the first six chapters of Lord of the Flies that describe Ralph and Jack. Write at least four entries for Ralph and four for Jack (a minimum of ten entries total). For each entry, identify in the right-hand column what characterization technique(s) Golding is using. Include an example of each of the characterization techniques listed above for each of the two characters. Be sure to choose descriptions that fully convey what these two main characters are like; you will use them to complete Step 4 below. Don’t forget to cite page numbers!
(5 points)

Step 2: Attach a separate piece of paper with a paragraph (100-150 words) that responds analytically to Jack or Ralph or both. Use one of these “starters” or come up with your own:
∑ The differences between these two main characters are important to the novel because…
∑ These characters can be interpreted as symbols of…
∑ The author’s use of (dialog; actions and gestures; physical description…) is especially effective in making these characters realistic because…
(5 points)

Step 3: On the same attached paper, write (or type) a paragraph (100-150 words) that connects personally to these two characters. Use one of these suggestions, or develop your own topic sentence:
∑ (Jack/Ralph) reminds me of a character in another novel I’ve read…
∑ (Jack/Ralph) remind me of things I’ve learned in (psychology, biology, history…)
∑ I identify strongly with (Jack/Ralph) because…
∑ I knew/know someone who is very much like (Jack/Ralph)…
(5 points)

Passages
(Be sure to include the page number in parentheses following the quote.)











Passages
















































Characterization Technique
(Physical description, dialog and thoughts, actions and gestures, other characters’ reactions)











Characterization Technique