Characterization Cram Before You Jam

Characterization Cram Before You Jam

Shamika Y. White

Direct Characterization vs. Indirect Characterization

What is the difference?

Direct Characterization

• DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like. Direct characterization “tells” the reader.

Indirect Characterization

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him. Indirect characterization “shows” the reader.

Multiple Choice

Bob and Sally got into an argument. Sally accused Bob of cheating with Jane. Bob and Jane were able to prove that they were not cheating. As a result, Sally apologized to Bob and Jane.

Of what type of conflict is this an example?

• man vs. self

• man vs. society

• man vs. nature

• man vs. man

Multiple Choice

Neil was hiking through the forest one day when, out of nowhere, a rabid wolf appeared.  It lunged at him, teeth bared.  Neil used his hiking stick to repel the wolf, who then ran away.
Of what conflict is this an example?

• Man vs. self
• Man vs. man
• Man vs. nature
• Man vs. supernatural

Fill in the Blanks

"Aaron leaped from the plane without so much as a moment’s hesitation. Although he was extremely fit, it was more difficult than he had expected to hold his arms at his sides and arch his body into a steep glide. Skydiving was as exciting as he had hoped."

What does this quote reveal about Aaron?

Fill in the Blanks

"Toni watched the girl position herself between her most recent victim and the classroom doorway. Instinctively, Toni started to race for the safety of her next class. Then, she hesitated. She saw the fear on the little kid’s face and thought, “How can I leave her?”

What does this quote reveal about Toni?

Multiple Choice

"Toni watched the girl position herself between her most recent victim and the classroom doorway. Instinctively, Toni started to race for the safety of her next class. Then, she hesitated. She saw the fear on the little kid’s face and thought, “How can I leave her?”

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

Fill in the Blanks

“There’s no way I’m letting him beat me,” thought Andrea, and she willed her legs to move faster still toward the finish line that seemed a million miles away."

What does this quote reveal about Andrea?

Multiple Choice

“There’s no way I’m letting him beat me,” thought Andrea, and she willed her legs to move faster still toward the finish line that seemed a million miles away."

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

Poll

Exit Ticket:

I understand the difference between DIRECT and INDIRECT Characterization.

• YES. I GOT THIS! I CAN TRY ON MY OWN!

• I GET IT BUT I NEED TO REVIEW IT AGAIN TO BE MORE CONFIDENT.

• HELP! I AM TOTALLY LOST.