2. Saskatchewan school. “Character” Short Stories Menu 2/9/04 http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/k9adapt/gr9/ss/characters.htm

According to Princeton, the definition of character is “an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story), ‘She is the main character in the novel’.” Stories from movies, plays and books are made up of character(s) that tell a story. The main purpose of the website is information sharing for students and parents. The website gives an outline of links related to their curriculum. Some links are lesson objective for the teacher for the students. The website posted a text that describes the term ‘character’. According to the person that composed the online text at the Saskatchewan school, the main character in a story is the protagonist, one “who experiences the main conflict or problem in the plot.” According to the writer of this text, “Characters can be examined and studied using the three A’s criteria: Appearance, Actions, Attitude.” I understand the literary term by reflecting back to stories I’ve read. I give credit to this website because it is a school, and the information they put out for students and parents is pertinent. Plus the lesson plans with the objectives are listed.

3. Henderson, Victoria. "All American: Glossary of Literary Terms." www.uncp.edu. University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 2 June 2007 <http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm#c>.

The main purpose for this website is to give the definitions of many literary terms. It also states why these terms are important and how they enhance literary works. The website defines the term character as a person who is responsible for the thoughts and actions within a story, poem, or other literature. The website describes analyzing texts using the literary term as extremely important because they are the medium through which a reader interacts with a piece of literature. An understanding of the term character helps understand the texts because they allow the reader to become more intimate with the text. The website is a credible source because it states who the author is to the information provided. Also the organization in which the author is associated with is given, University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

4. All American: Glossary of Literary Terms. University of North Carolina atPembroke. June 2, 2007.< http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm#c >

This website is a glossary of literary terms. It gives definitions for the several literary terms used in this class. For Character, the glossary says, “character (KARE-ec-ter): a person who is responsible for the thoughts and actions within a story, poem, or other literature. Characters are extremely important because they are the medium through which a reader interacts with a piece of literature. Every character has his or her own personality, which a creative author uses to assist in forming the plot of a story or creating a mood. The different attitudes, mannerisms, and even appearances of characters can greatly influence the other major elements in a literary work, such as theme, setting, and tone. With this understanding of the character, a reader can become more aware of other aspects of literature, such as symbolism, giving the reader a more complete understanding of the work. The character is one of the most important tools available to the author. In the ballad "Edward," for instance, the character himself sets the tone of the ballad within the first stanza. After reading the first few stanzas, one learns that Edward has murdered his father and is very distraught. His attitude changes to disgust and finally to despair when he realizes the consequences he must face for his actions. An example of the attitudes and personalities of characters determining the theme is also seen in the book of Genesis. The proud personality of Cain and the humble personality of Abel help create the conflict for this story. Cain and Abel were brothers, possibly twins, who displayed intense sibling rivalry. God was not pleased with Cain's offerings, but found pleasure in Abel's offerings. Provoked by God's displeasure with him, Cain murdered his own brother out of jealousy.

This gives a definition for the idea of character that helps readers identify and think critically about what they are reading.

5. Houghton Mifflin Company. "Character." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English L. Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. answers.com. 6 June 2007. <http://www.answers.com/topic/character>.

My source for this term is at answers.com. On this site it gives multiple definitions of character. It says that character is the qualities or features that distinguishes one person or group from another. When writing it is important that the author defines each character so that they are seen as an individual. Just like in real life everyone is different and so to make your characters come to life one must make sure that they are as descriptive as possible.

6. “Glossary of Literary Terms.” Bedford/St. Martin’s. 15 June 2007 < http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/literature/bedlit/glossary_a.htm >.

This website shares research about literature through annotated links, authors’ biographies, and a glossary of terms. The glossary defines a character as “a person presented in a dramatic or narrative work and characterization is the process by which a writer makes that character seem real to the reader.” Different types of characters are explained including protagonist, antagonist, static, dynamic, flat and round. The author has two major ways of presenting characters: showing and telling. With showing, the character talks and acts, letting readers develop their own opinions. With telling, the author intervenes to describe and evaluate the character.

This description of character would classify Tom as the protagonist in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Tom practices selflessness. He becomes a Christ figure, a radical role for any black during the time of slavery. Tom embodies all of the characteristics that would make slavery impossible if everyone upheld them. Harriet Beecher Stowe chooses to show us Tom’s heroic character through showing. The reader is able to develop their own thoughts about Tom. For the first time, people saw the human side of African Americans through Tom’s character.  This website provides links and citations for its research.

7. Baker, Lyman A.  “Character and Characterization.”  30 April 2000.  19 June 2007. < http://www.k-state.edu/english/baker/english251/cc-character.htm >. 

Professor Baker gives reasons for the utilization of different character types in different stories on this informational page for Kansas State University’s website.  He elaborates on the notion of “flat” and ‘static” characters, as well as tracing the idea’s origin to a specific date.  He gives a rather simple, yet sufficient definition of character, stating that it is “a fictional individual within a larger imaginary situation.”  As a supposed professor, it should be assumed that he knows of which he speaks, granting an element of credibility to the resource.