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Position

Position is the placement of the characters and props in the images and is used to help show readers the internal thoughts, feelings, mood, or other parts of the story. Sometimes position can include proportion, or size, in the frame or spread.

Example 1: Analyze this set of images from When Harriet Met Sojourner, written by Catherine Clinton and illustrated by Shane W. Evans. In the first spread, readers see an enslaved Sojourner Truth.

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  • Spot how position reveals her situation and how she is feeling.

  • Describe her placement on the page and notice the direction her eyes are looking.

  • What do we learn about Sojourner Truth from the visuals?

Harriet_Sojourner_Position-1.jpg

Compare the first spread with the image below, seen later in the book. In this spread, readers see a freed Sojourner Truth.

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  • Describe how position has changed and how this represents her freedom.

  • Describe not only position, but also the proportion of Sojourner Truth in the spread. How does her size convey meaning?

Harriet_Sojourner_Position-2.jpg

Example 2: Study this image from New Kid by Jerry Craft carefully. How is position used to show how the main character, Jordan Banks, is feeling on his first day at a new school?

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  • Describe the positioning of Jordan Banks on the page. What do you think his position represents?

  • Along with position, proportion is used. How does his size help readers understand what he is feeling?

New Kid by Jerry Craft Image 1 POSITION.JPG

Example 3: Position is not only a powerful visual storytelling technique in picture books and graphic novels, but also in movies. In this clip from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Professors McGonagall and Umbridge are having an argument. Pay attention to how the characters move on the stairs.

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  • How does position help illustrate a shift in power during their argument?

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