Characterization. Characterization is the act of creating or describing a character. Writers create characters in three major ways: by showing what characters say, do and think; by showing what other characters say about them; and by showing what physical features, dress, and personality the characters display. As you read The Ugly Duckling, jot down on a separate piece of paper words and groups of words you think help to create the characters.
Plot. A plot is a series of events related to a central conflict, or struggle. A plot usually involves the introduction of a conflict, its development, and its eventual resolution. The following terms are used to describe the parts of a plot:
• The exposition, or introduction, sets the tone or mood, introduces the characters and the setting, and provides necessary background information.
• The inciting incident is the event that introduces the conflict.
• The climax is the high point of interest or suspense in the plot.
• The resolution is the point at which the central conflict is ended, or resolved.
• The dénouement is any material that follows the resolution and that ties up loose ends.
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• This play is based on a fairy tale, a type of story that was originally passed down through the oral tradition. Fairy tales often take place in medieval settings and feature magical transformations and events. A Danish writer named Hans Christian Andersen wrote the fairy tale called “The Ugly Duckling” on which this play is based, as well as a number of others you may know, such as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Snow Queen,” and “Thumbelina.” The ugly duckling has an extremely hard time until he finally sees three beautiful white swans swimming and flies over to them, assuming that the birds will kill him because of his ugliness. When the duckling bends his head down to the water, awaiting the swans to put an end to his misery, he sees his reflection in the water and realizes that he too is a swan and has grown to be beautiful and graceful. As you read, think about why A. A. Milne chose the same title for his play as Hans Christian Andersen did for his fairy tale. In what ways are the Princess Camilla and the ugly duckling alike?
The parts of a plot are often shown on a pyramid like the one below. Draw a copy of this pyramid on your own paper. As you read, write down at the appropriate points on the pyramid what you think the exposition, inciting incident, climax, resolution, and dénouement are.
What is more important to you—outer or inner beauty? Provide some reasons for your answer.
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