WALTER - Characterization

WALTeR - Characterization

Why do we analyze characters?

• Understanding character traits and tracing how a character changes and grows helps us understand the story better.

• Character traits will change throughout the story as the character experiences various situations.

WALTeR

• Words

• Actions

• Looks

• Thoughts

• Other Characters RESPONSE

• We want to find SPECIFIC and RELEVANT details in the book using these categories.

Open Ended

Why do we analyze characters?

Multiple Select

What kind of details are we looking for?

• Real

• Specific

• General

• Relevant

W - Words

• What a characters says through dialogue and how he says it gives a clue to his personality.

• Is the character saying it in an angry, sarcastic, frustrated, or humorous tone?

• This adds meaning beyond the literal interpretation.

Multiple Choice

W is what the character:

• says

• wishes

• does

• likes

A - Actions

• How a character acts or behaves gives insight beyond their words. 

• A character might say he is tough, but does he act tough?

• Why is he angry when his friends throw a surprise birthday party?

• Why does he hide when he sees his best friend approaching?

Multiple Choice

A is what the character

• has

• likes

• does

• needs

L - Looks

• Physical traits contribute to a person’s character.

• They sometimes create conflicts that must be overcome before there is a resolution.

• Identify outstanding physical traits that contribute to external or internal conflicts.

Multiple Choice

L is what the character

• needs

• says

• learns

• looks like

T - Thoughts

• Climb inside the character’s head. What is the character thinking?

• When an author invites you inside a character’s head, they are revealing something about the character: fears, dreams, goals, beliefs, etc. 

• Pay attention to the character’s secret thoughts.

Multiple Choice

T is what the character

• does

• learns

• thinks

• needs

eR - Response

• Other characters will react to the main character in a positive, negative or indifferent manner.

• When other characters respond in a dramatic manner, positive or negative, take notice.

• What does their response tell you about the main character?

Multiple Choice

eR is how...

• how often the character seeks emergency medical help

• other characters react/respond to the main character

• the main character responds to other characters

• the characters react to stressful situations