Direct & Indirect Characterization

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What is direct characterization?

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Direct characterization is when the author explicitly tells the reader about a character's personality traits.

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What is indirect characterization?

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Indirect characterization is when the author shows the reader a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, or how other characters react to them.

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Give an example of direct characterization.

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An example of direct characterization is: 'She was a kind and generous soul.'

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Give an example of indirect characterization.

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An example of indirect characterization is: 'Joseph was always laying on the couch watching TV. He never completed his homework, nor did he help around the house with chores.'

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How can you identify direct characterization in a text?

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You can identify direct characterization when the author uses descriptive adjectives or phrases that clearly state a character's traits.

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How can you identify indirect characterization in a text?

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You can identify indirect characterization by observing a character's actions, dialogue, and interactions with others that imply their traits.

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What is the effect of using direct characterization?

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Direct characterization provides clear and immediate insight into a character's personality, making it easier for readers to understand them.

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What is the effect of using indirect characterization?

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Indirect characterization allows readers to infer a character's traits, creating a deeper engagement as they piece together clues.

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Why might an author choose indirect characterization over direct characterization?

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An author might choose indirect characterization to create suspense, develop a more complex character, or encourage readers to think critically about the character's motivations.

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What role does dialogue play in indirect characterization?

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Dialogue can reveal a character's personality, beliefs, and emotions through their speech patterns, word choices, and interactions with others.