Characterization

Front

What is characterization?

Back

The process in which the author tells the personality of a character.

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

The author explicitly describes a character's traits.

Front

What is indirect characterization?

Back

The author reveals a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

Front

Example of direct characterization.

Back

"Lennie is big and dumb."

Front

Example of indirect characterization.

Back

"I dig my fingers into the dirt and squeeze. A small clean part of me waits to warm and burst through the surface." (Melinda from Speak)

Front

What does it mean when a character is described as having 'childlike innocence'?

Back

It means the character has a pure, naive perspective, often leading to both endearing and problematic situations.

Front

How can a character's name influence their characterization?

Back

A character's name can reflect their personality traits or role in the story, influencing how readers perceive them.

Front

What role does dialogue play in characterization?

Back

Dialogue reveals a character's thoughts, feelings, and relationships with others, contributing to their overall personality.

Front

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

Back

Actions demonstrate a character's values, motivations, and growth throughout the story.

Front

How does setting influence characterization?

Back

The setting can shape a character's behavior, beliefs, and interactions with others, providing context for their actions.