Direct vs Indirect Characterization

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

Direct characterization is when the author explicitly describes a character's traits, such as their appearance, thoughts, or feelings.

Front

What is indirect characterization?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of direct characterization.

Back

An example of direct characterization is when the author states, 'She is very brave and confident.'

Front

Give an example of indirect characterization.

Back

An example of indirect characterization is when a character hesitates before speaking, suggesting they are nervous.

Front

What does it mean when a character's actions suggest they are selfish?

Back

It means that the character's behavior shows a lack of concern for others, indicating a selfish personality.

Front

How can an author use dialogue for indirect characterization?

Back

An author can use dialogue to reveal a character's personality by showing how they speak, their word choices, and their tone.

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What is the significance of a character's thoughts in indirect characterization?

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A character's thoughts can provide insight into their fears, desires, and motivations, helping readers understand their personality.

Front

What is an example of a direct characterization of a character's appearance?

Back

An example is: 'He had bright blue eyes and curly brown hair that framed his face.'

Front

How can a character's relationships with others reveal their traits?

Back

A character's relationships can show how they treat others, which can indicate traits like kindness, aggression, or loyalty.

Front

What is the difference between showing and telling in characterization?

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'Showing' involves revealing character traits through actions and dialogue, while 'telling' involves stating traits directly.