Characterization Basics
Direct vs. Indirect Characterization:
the ways in which authors show us characters' personality traits.
There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect.
Direct Characterization: the author directly states personality traits or characteristics. Think of this as the "tell" part of Show and Tell.
Example:
“Dena was a kind, caring individual.” The author tells us what the character is like.
Indirect Characterization: the author uses one of five methods to SHOW personality or character traits; the reader must INFER what the character is like. Think of this as the "show" part of Show and Tell.
Example:
“Dena felt so sad when she saw the hurt little chipmunk that she began to cry. She immediately approached it to try and help it get better.” The author shows us what the character is like.
The 5 Methods of Indirect Characterization
1. Appearance: descriptions of a character's physical stature and attributes/descriptions of the way a character dresses.
2.Speech: dialogue, or what a character says (and the way they say it)
3.Actions: the way a character behaves (includes physical movement)
4.Private thoughts: when we see what a character is thinking or feeling
5. What others think: the rumor mill/how other characters perceive and treat the character in
question.
the ways in which authors show us characters' personality traits.
There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect.
Direct Characterization: the author directly states personality traits or characteristics. Think of this as the "tell" part of Show and Tell.
Example:
“Dena was a kind, caring individual.” The author tells us what the character is like.
Indirect Characterization: the author uses one of five methods to SHOW personality or character traits; the reader must INFER what the character is like. Think of this as the "show" part of Show and Tell.
Example:
“Dena felt so sad when she saw the hurt little chipmunk that she began to cry. She immediately approached it to try and help it get better.” The author shows us what the character is like.
The 5 Methods of Indirect Characterization
1. Appearance: descriptions of a character's physical stature and attributes/descriptions of the way a character dresses.
2.Speech: dialogue, or what a character says (and the way they say it)
3.Actions: the way a character behaves (includes physical movement)
4.Private thoughts: when we see what a character is thinking or feeling
5. What others think: the rumor mill/how other characters perceive and treat the character in
question.
Additional Characterization information
characterization_.pdf | |
File Size: | 348 kb |
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characterization_basics_.pdf | |
File Size: | 60 kb |
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Practice: Download this file to identify the two types of characterization
Download this PDF file to your computer. Then, on a piece of notebook paper with "Characterization Practice" written at the top, record your answers that would go in the blank boxes. Turn this in when finished.
characterizationpractice.pdf | |
File Size: | 79 kb |
File Type: |
Characterization Check Quiz
Click on this link to quiz yourself about direct and indirect characterization. Once you have completed the quiz (only take it once), email me your score.