Characterization/STEAL

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

Direct characterization is when the author directly tells the reader what a character is like.

Front

What is indirect characterization?

Back

Indirect characterization is when the author shows the character's traits through actions, thoughts, and dialogue, requiring the reader to infer what the character is like.

Front

What is a character trait?

Back

A character trait is an adjective that describes a character's personality.

Front

Give an example of direct characterization.

Back

An example of direct characterization is: 'Frank was a shy, quiet person.'

Front

Give an example of indirect characterization.

Back

An example of indirect characterization is: 'Marcia felt the knot in her stomach grow when she saw the number of questions on the test, and she tugged her hair anxiously.'

Front

What does STEAL stand for in characterization?

Back

STEAL stands for Speech, Thoughts, Effects on others, Actions, and Looks, which are methods to analyze a character.

Front

How can speech reveal a character's traits?

Back

A character's speech can reveal their personality, emotions, and social status through their choice of words and tone.

Front

How can a character's thoughts provide insight into their personality?

Back

A character's thoughts can show their motivations, fears, and desires, helping readers understand their inner conflicts.

Front

What role do actions play in characterization?

Back

Actions demonstrate a character's traits through their behavior and decisions, showing how they respond to different situations.

Front

How do a character's effects on others help in characterization?

Back

The way other characters react to someone can reveal traits about that character, showing how they are perceived by others.