Characterization
Definition: the process by which author’s create memorable characters. Authors use two major methods of characterization—direct and indirect.
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direct characterization—an author tells what the character is like—looks and actions
Ex: “He was a tall, rawboned man with a bullet-shaped head, and he looked exactly like what he was—a deacon in a church.” “Before the End of Summer,” Grant Moss Jr.
indirect characterization—a writer reveals a character’s personality through his or her own appearance, words, actions, and effects on others. Sometimes the writer describes what other participants in the story say and think about the character. The reader draws his/her own conclusions about the character being analyzed.
Ex: “He was a tall, rawboned man with a bullet-shaped head, and he looked exactly like what he was—a deacon in a church.” “Before the End of Summer,” Grant Moss Jr.
indirect characterization—a writer reveals a character’s personality through his or her own appearance, words, actions, and effects on others. Sometimes the writer describes what other participants in the story say and think about the character. The reader draws his/her own conclusions about the character being analyzed.
Lesson 1:
Read and think:
Jake is Annie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Jake is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Annie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her. She gratefully accepts. Jake is now colder, but he is happier.
Talk about it:
1. What type of characterization is used here? (Direct or Indirect)
2. How would you describe the character traits that Jake possesses. Provide textual evidence for support.
Now you try:
Write about a time that someone was nice to you when they did not have to be. Use indirect characterization.
Read and think:
Jake is Annie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Jake is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Annie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her. She gratefully accepts. Jake is now colder, but he is happier.
Talk about it:
1. What type of characterization is used here? (Direct or Indirect)
2. How would you describe the character traits that Jake possesses. Provide textual evidence for support.
Now you try:
Write about a time that someone was nice to you when they did not have to be. Use indirect characterization.
Lesson 2:
1. Using the word below, answer the questions below and complete a STEAL chart (see above) by imagining the details that might go in the boxes for a character that possess this trait.
Definition:_____________________________________________________
What might an ambitious character do?________________________________________________
STEAL Chart:
1. Using the word below, answer the questions below and complete a STEAL chart (see above) by imagining the details that might go in the boxes for a character that possess this trait.
- Ambitious
Definition:_____________________________________________________
What might an ambitious character do?________________________________________________
STEAL Chart: