Characterization PT. 2

Open Ended

Warm up:

In the book Shannon imagines Jen as a queen. What does this indirect characterization show the reader?

This shows the reader that Jen is___________ because she ___________.

Characterization​

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As the author develops the characters, they give us clues to determine important character traits.​

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Sometimes this information is obvious and the author tells the reader a description with direct characterization

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However, the author also ​gives the reader clues with a character’s thoughts, actions and dialogue with other characters. With indirect characterization the reader must infer the meaning.

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Multiple Choice

In the movie Shrek, his best friend is a friendly grey donkey. Donkey has two long hears, and big teeth. He is always smiling.

Is this direct or indirect characterization?

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

Multiple Choice

Even Though Shrek is always mean to Donkey, he still forgives Shrek for being unkind.

A character's speech is _________ characterization.

• Direct

• Indirect

Multiple Select

What can a viewer directly characterize about Shrek from the video?

• He is a large, green ogre.

• His best friend is Donkey.

• He has a lot of friends.

• He wants to appear wicked to other people.

Authors often use direct characterization in the beginning of stories to identify characters.

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​Example:

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Viewers see shrek is a large, green ogre. He does not like people in his swamp. ​

Multiple Select

However, as the movie goes on we see Donkey & Shrek's friendship develop.

Think about Shrek's Words

"I don't have a problem with the world they have a problem with me." What does this indirect characterization tell us about Shrek?

• He truly is the dangerous ogre people think he is.

• He feels judged by other people because they think he is cruel.

• He and doneky aren't friends.

• He is miserable living with out friends.

As storys develop, characters change. This is often done through indirect characterization

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1. Speech - what they say

2. Actions - what they do​

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​Strong readers pay attention to indirect characterization to understand relationships & predict what a character will do next.

​Example:

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Shrek's words show that he is miserable and lonely because he believes people will judge him for being lonely. ​

​Please talk with your table group to decide which words are synonyms.

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I recommend you look at the translations in your language. However, they may be the same! Often English has more adjectives than your home language.

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We will discuss why after. ​ Be ready to share what you think.

As you learn more English you cannot always rely on translation.

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Words can have different levels of power​ in English.

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​Which word is stronger in English? Brilliant or Clever?

Which word is the strongest in English - unkind, wicked or cruel?​

Poll

Hysterical can mean crazy, or super emotional in English. However, we can also use this word as synonym for extremely funny.

Look at the example - In your opinion is the movie Shrek - , funny, hilarious or hysterical?

• I don't like or haven't seen the movie shrek.

• funny

• hilarious

• hysterical

Poll

In real friends, the reader often see's Jenny being dishonest, and calling Shannon names. In your opinion is she

• secretive

• untrustworthy

• sneaky

Open Ended

Exit ticket - With your group talk about & decide who said your quote. What does this show you about the character's personality traits (use one of our vocabulary words)? Why?

Write 2 sentences

My groups quote was said by __________. This indirect characterization shows that this character is ____________ because ____________.

​My groups quote was said by __________. This indirect characterization shows that this character is ____________ because ____________.

Practice:

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With your table group you are going to practice analyzing a character's speech. Characterization is often a test question in literature classes.

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