The Importance of Characterization

Characterization is the process by which the author brings a character to life. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses exceptional characterization throughout the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. There are four methods of characterization which can be revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization. The most common method of characterization is the narrator’s direct description of a character. This is a very important method as it enables the reader to have a vivid picture in their mind.

The method of the character’s own words and actions or the method where the character’s reveals their own feelings allows the reader to become engulfed in the novel. The fourth and final method is how the other characters react to him and what they say about him. This allows the reader to interact with the other characters as well. Sir Henry, Mr. Barrymore and Mr. Stapleton are excellently characterized throughout the novel. Characterization is a method used by an author to develop a character.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle explicitly uses characterization to describe Sir Henry Baskerville. The reader can clearly visualize Sir Henry when the author uses the narrator’s direct description. “The latter was a small, alert, dark-eyed man about thirty years of age, very sturdily built, with thick black eyebrows and a strong, pugnacious face” (Doyle 40). The reader can sense the grief put upon Sir Henry as the author uses characterization to describe the character’s own feelings. “He walked slowly back the way he had come, his head hanging, the very picture of dejection” (123).

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The author’s technique of using the method of how other characters react to him and what they say about him enables the reader to understand how others feel about him“ Our friends title, his fortune, his age, his character, and his appearance are all in his favour, and I know nothing against him, unless it be the dark fate which runs in his family” (126). Sir Henry is thoroughly described using the methods of characterization. Mr. Barrymore is also accurately described using characterization. Mr. Barrymore is a trustworthy individual which is demonstrated by the character’s own words and actions. “It is my business, and not yours. I will not tell” (131). Mr. Barrymore is vividly described using the narrator’s direct description. “The man is a striking-looking fellow, very well equipped to steal the heart of a country girl” (118). It is made obvious to the reader how one character reacts to another using the fourth method of characterization. “It seemed to me that the pallid features of the butler turned a shade paler still as he listened to his master’s question” (87).

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle described Mr. Barrymore to the exact degree using characterization. Mr. Jack Stapleton is described precisely using many methods of characterization. Mr. Stapleton is a secretive man and kept his opinions to himself. This is demonstrated by using the method of the character’s own feelings. “Stapleton was guarded in his replies, but it was easy to see that he said less than he might, and he would not express his whole opinion out of consideration for the feelings of the baronet” (109-110).

It was evident that Mr. Stapleton was a naturalist using the narrator’s direct description of the man. “A tin box of botanical specimens hung over his shoulder and he carried a green butterfly-net in one of his hands” (90). The reader can clearly sense Dr. Watson’s reaction to Mr. Stapleton using the reactive characterization. “The words took away my breath for an instant but a glance at the placid face and steadfast eyes of my companion showed no surprise was intended” (92). Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is genuinely able to describe Mr. Stapleton by using characterization. Characterization generates a plot and is revealed by actions, speech, thoughts and other characters’ thoughts. All four distinct characterizations are used throughout the novel. Sir Henry, Mr. Barrymore and Mr. Stapleton are excellently characterized in the novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles. All four methods of characterization are equally important to produce a bestselling novel. Characterization is essential in all novels as it aids the reader to visualize a character to their fullest potential.

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