Character development in ASL narrative

This presentation explores the development of character in ASL narrative, focusing primarily on a story created by Julianna Fjeld and told through the persona of a bag lady. We examine the process by which Fjeld created the bag lady character, and we examine how the elements of language use and theatricality contribute to the creation of character in ASL literature. Through this case study approach, our goal is to begin building a theory which will be applicable to character development in other ASL narratives, poetry, and drama. Julianna Fjeld performs the story during this presentation.