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Essay / Use of Characterization in Uglies by Scott Westerfield " at the age of sixteen. In this world, the concept of beauty and conformity is paramount, and the author skillfully uses characterization to make his characters believable and convey essential themes and conflicts. Characterization, the process of revealing a character's personality, is used through direct and indirect means to create a rich narrative that explores the motivations of its central characters. In this essay, we will examine how Westerfeld masterfully uses characterization and delve deeper into the motivations of the protagonist, Tally Youngblood, and the antagonist, Dr. Cable, to shed light on the complex dynamics of their society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Direct Characterization Direct characterization involves the author directly stating the traits of a character. In “Uglies,” Tally Youngblood is the protagonist and Westerfeld uses direct characterization to introduce her character to the reader. We're told: "Worse still, she was ugly, but she hoped Peris wouldn't see her that way." » This direct statement informs the reader about Tally's current appearance and her desire not to be perceived as ugly. The term "ugly" carries immense meaning in their society, as it refers to those who have not undergone transformative surgery to become "pretty." Tally's fear of being seen as ugly is a central motivation for her actions throughout the novel. Conversely, the story's antagonist, Dr. Cable, is also subject to direct characterization. Dr. Cable is portrayed as a fearsome and vengeful character. The text reveals: "...The woman has become nothing but a monster, vengeful and inhuman." Then I will make you a promise too, Tally Youngblood. Until you help us to the best of your ability, you will never be pretty...'" Here, Dr. Cable's vengeful nature is explicitly expressed when she threatens Tally with a life of ugliness unless she does not conform to his requirements. This direct characterization helps establish the central conflict and the role of the antagonist in the story. Indirect Characterization Although direct characterization provides essential information about the characters, Westerfeld also employs indirect characterization techniques. indirect characterization to enhance the depth and complexity of one's characters Indirect characterization involves revealing a character's traits through their words, thoughts, actions, appearance, and effect on others. Youngblood, Westerfeld skillfully uses indirect characterization to paint a more nuanced portrait of her character. For example, we read: “She put her fingers to her face, felt the wide nose and thin lips, the too high forehead. and a mass of tangled frizzy hair. » Through this description, Westerfeld expresses Tally's insecurity about her physical appearance without explicitly calling her "ugly". This indirect approach allows readers to connect with Tally's internal struggle and self-doubt as she navigates a society that places a high value on physical beauty. Cable, the antagonist, also receives nuanced treatment through indirect characterization. In a scene where she shows Tally her unchanged reflection, Westerfeld writes: "Dr. Cable pointed at the wall at the screen and an image is, 35(2), 133-149.
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