MYP English Lang & Lit Characterization and Human Behaviour Key Definitions

A character arc is the journey a character goes on from the start of the text to the end.

Character traits are the qualities or characteristics that describe how a person typically thinks, feels, and behaves: essentially the features that make up their personality and define who they are.

External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force.

Internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within a character.

Motivation is the reason or drive that causes a person to act in a particular way or to work toward a goal.

The time and place in which the action of a text happens (or, in non-fiction, where the description or events occur).

Showing means revealing ideas, emotions, or character traits through actions, dialogue, and sensory details instead of stating them directly.

Telling is a writing technique where the writer directly names emotions, traits, or meanings instead of revealing them through action, dialogue, or detail.