Voice and Tone:
* Formal vs. Informal: A character who uses formal language might be educated, uptight, or trying to sound important. An informal style might suggest someone who is relaxed, casual, or perhaps not well-educated.
* Humorous vs. Serious: A character who uses humor in their narration might be lighthearted, sarcastic, or trying to deflect from deeper emotions. A serious tone might indicate a somber personality, a sense of urgency, or a desire for gravitas.
* Confident vs. Insecure: A confident narrator might use strong declarative sentences, while an insecure one might use more hesitant or apologetic language.
Sentence Structure and Word Choice:
* Simple vs. Complex: Simple sentence structure often indicates a simpler way of thinking, while complex sentences can suggest someone who is more analytical or thoughtful.
* Vivid imagery vs. Plain language: A character who uses rich, evocative language might be more observant, imaginative, or passionate. Plain language might suggest someone who is practical, blunt, or less emotionally invested.
* Slang and Jargon: A character's use of slang or technical jargon can indicate their social group, profession, or even geographical location.
Perspective and Focus:
* First person vs. Third person: First-person narration allows for a deeply personal perspective, while third-person narration can offer a more objective view.
* Limited vs. Omniscient: A character who only sees their own perspective might be narrow-minded or self-absorbed, while an omniscient narrator might be more insightful or even manipulative.
* Focus on details: A character who focuses on specific, often trivial details might be neurotic, detail-oriented, or simply trying to avoid revealing deeper emotions.
Examples:
* A young, rebellious character might speak in a slang-filled, informal style with short, choppy sentences.
* An aging, wise character might use longer, more complex sentences, with a focus on philosophical reflections and insightful observations.
* A character struggling with trauma might use fragmented sentences, hesitant language, and vivid imagery to portray their internal turmoil.
Remember:
* Style can be a deliberate choice: A writer can use style to intentionally shape a character's image.
* Context is crucial: The same style can be interpreted differently depending on the context of the story.
* Authenticity is key: The most effective characterization uses style that feels natural and believable, even if it's not perfect or conventionally "correct."
By analyzing the way a character tells a story, you can gain valuable insight into their personality, motivations, and even their emotional state, enriching your understanding of the narrative as a whole.