Lemony Snicket’s Ersatz Elevator was the object of this research. This study aims to analyze the characterization of the characters. The characters were analyzed and categorized into different traits which then later be contrasted with each other forming binary oppositions. This study used qualitative methodology where the primary data were taken from the novel in the form of dialogue and narration. The secondary data were gathered from various sources such as textbooks, journals, and several relevant sources that could support the study. The data were later identified, classified, and then reduced for better understanding. This study concluded with two results. The first result is the characterization found in the characters of the novel. The author used characterization through appearance. The traits shown in the study are grateful, greedy, caring, indifferent, brave, and coward. The second result is the findings of the binary oppositions. The traits were then later paired with their respectful opposite to form a binary opposition. The binary oppositions found in the novel were then later further analyzed and interpreted. The study shows a power imbalance between the adult and the children characters as they have opposite traits with each other along with their responsibilities as their respected roles. The power imbalance shown in the characters are made more prominent by how the children are portrayed to be the hero by the writer while the adults are portrayed to be reckless.

Keywords: Binary Opposition, Lemony Snicket, Characterization