In an extension of earlier work <Helsdon et al., 1992; Mazur, 1989>, we have developed a one-dimensional, electrostatic representation of the electric field change and charge redistribution in a cloud subsequent to a lightning flash. In this parameterization, these effects are determined by the properties of the vertical electric field. We assume lightning is initiated when the electric field magnitude reaches a prescribed breakdown value at some point. The lightning channel is represented by a prolate spheroidal conductor of a specified radius, whose length is determined by a crude energy criterion. Charge is induced on the channel surface and this charge modifies the surrounding electric field. We have applied this parameterization to the vertical electric field resulting from an idealized charge sounding to explore the features of the charge profile that determine whether lightning is likely to be intracloud or cloud to ground. We discuss the results of this analysis in terms of lightning patterns observed climatologically and the evolution of lightning patterns in a thunderstorm during its life cycle. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996