FLASHCARD: Direct & Indirect Characterization

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

Direct characterization is when the author explicitly 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

How can you identify direct characterization in a text?

Back

Look for statements where the author describes a character's traits directly, such as 'She is kind' or 'He is brave.'

Front

How can you identify indirect characterization in a text?

Back

Look for clues in the character's actions, dialogue, or thoughts that suggest their personality traits.

Front

What can you infer about a character who is always late to class?

Back

You might infer that the character has poor time management skills or is not very organized.

Front

What does it mean to infer something about a character?

Back

To infer means to make a conclusion about a character based on evidence and reasoning rather than being directly told.

Front

Give an example of a sentence that shows indirect characterization.

Back

'He stared at the ground, avoiding eye contact, as he shuffled his feet.' This suggests he may be shy or anxious.

Front

What is the purpose of characterization in a story?

Back

Characterization helps readers understand the characters' motivations, personalities, and how they contribute to the plot.

Front

What can you infer about a character who dresses very neatly and always looks polished?

Back

You might infer that the character values appearance and takes pride in their looks.

Front

What is an example of direct characterization?

Back

'Maria was the smartest student in the class.' This directly tells us about Maria's intelligence.