Characterization Review

Characterization Review

Objective: Using the skill of characterization, we will be able to identify the personality of one character.

Direct Characterization

• Characterization: a device in literature used to reveal details about a character in a story. We make inferences to figure out what the characters are like. There are two types of characterization in literature, direct and indirect.

• Direct: when the author plainly states what the character is like.

  Jason is a handsome and generous man. He always lends a hand when someone needs it.

Indirect Characterization

• Indirect: when the author uses dialogue, interactions and appearance to give details about a character.

• We can use STRAL to figure out a character’s personality by their:  

  S: speech- what they say in dialogue

  T: thoughts- what they are thinking about

  R: response to others- how they respond to other characters and how characters respond to them 

  A: actions- what they do, how they act

  L: looks- their appearance and the look on their faces

Multiple Choice

She was a cheerful, upbeat person. Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?

• Indirect Characterization

• Direct Characterization

Multiple Choice

Jeff walked up to Mark and took his sandwich off of his plate. He took a bite, smirked at Mark, and then walked away. What does this tell us about Jeff and how can infer that? (Think of STRAL!)

• rude and inconsiderate / Jeff's thoughts

• generous and friendly / Jeff's speech

• rude and inconsiderate / Jeff's actions

• cautious and careful / Jeff's looks or physical appearance

Multiple Choice

Clarissa saw what Jeff had done to Mark, and she quietly picked up her tray and went to sit with Mark. She cut her own sandwich in half and gave Mark half. Then, she started to talk to Mark about his favorite television show until he forgot all about Jeff. What does this tell us about Clarissa and how can infer that? (Think of STRAL!)

• lazy and unmotivated / speech and thoughts

• considerate and kind / speech and thoughts

• lazy and unmotivated / speech and actions

• considerate and kind / speech and actions

You Do

Now, you will practice the skill of characterization using a text. Your goal is to:

-uncover the character's personality and who they are by using STRAL (making inferences about them based on their: speech, thoughts, response to others, actions and looks)