Another week has passed and it's almost Thanksgiving. I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. Remember what the day is all about. Let's give thanks for those in our lives and for that which is good. But, don't forget to be thankful for all the trials and tribulations we've been through. Without them, we wouldn't be as strong and we probably wouldn't be where we are today.
Today's lesson is one that will put your character's description together with their believability. Let's sum it up.
Character Description and Believability
•Anton Chekhov’s descriptions of the characters in “The Duel” create vivid descriptions, making them believable to the reader. For instance, he describes character Alexander Samoylenko as having “large, close-cropped head, big nose, black bushy eyebrows, grey side-whiskers and no neck to speak of” (17).¹ More than just the physical description, Chekhov shows us Samoylenko’s personality when he writes that Samoylenko “struck all newcomers as an unpleasant army upstart. But about two or three days after the first meeting his face began to strike them as exceptionally kind, amiable, handsome even.” (17).² Because this character is described as being “docile, infinitely kind, good-humoured and obliging.” (17)³, the reader gets a sense that, although he can come across as rough, he is indeed a compassionate man.
1, 2, 3 Chekhov, Anton. The Duel and Other Stories. England: Penguin Group, 1984.
Can you sum it up? Let's see what you can show me. I've been told the best form of flattery is imitation. Imitate Checkhov's character's description and believability. Go ahead, you can do it!
Have fun!
Starr Reina
