crucible character

Characterization

Character-ization Definition:

• How an author develops characters

• They do this by telling us directly or showing us indirectly

• Studying characterization gives a better understanding of the whole story

Direct Characterization

• The author tells you directly what the character is like

• They describe physical traits, clothing, and appearance

Indirect Characterization

• The author indirectly shares information about the character

• The audience must infer what the character is like based on the STEAL acronym

• What does the character say, think, feel, do, and show on their face?

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE A CHARACTER

A character can be influenced by a range of internal and external factors that shape their personality, motivations, and choices throughout a story.

1. Personal Background: Up bringing and family, Education and experiences, Culture and heritage

2. Relationships: Friends and peers, Romantic partners, Rivals and Enemies

3. Environment: Setting (characters react to a setting), Society and social norms, economic issues

4. Internal Factors: Personal Values, Goals, Personality

5. Past Trauma or Events

These influences combine in unique ways to create complex, multi-dimensional characters whose actions and decisions feel realistic and relatable to readers.

Poll

Can environment play a part in character development.

• yes

• no

Poll

Do you think the setting in Puritan Salem and the fear of witchcraft accusations influence characters like John Proctor and Abigail Williams in powerful ways.

• true

• false

​Discussing character traits like integrity, compassion, courage, and justice in The Crucible allows us to talk about motivations, actions, and character transformations.

​FOUR CORNERS

​Which trait is shown by a character who stands up for their beliefs, even when it is unpopular?

​

1. Integrity (Morals, Honesty, Ethics, Goodness)

2. Deceit ( Cheat, Fraud)

3. Courage (Brave, Hero, Fearless)

4. Fear (Panic, Worry, distress)

​

What trait is exhibited by someone who lies to protect themselves or others?

​

1. Integrity (Morals, Honesty, Ethics, Goodness)

2. Deceit ( Cheat, Fraud)

3. Courage (Brave, Hero, Fearless)

4. Fear (Panic, Worry, distress)

What common human response can lead to hysteria and mob mentality in the story?

​

1. Integrity (Morals, Honesty, Ethics, Goodness)

2. Deceit ( Cheat, Fraud)

3. Courage (Brave, Hero, Fearless)

4. Fear (Panic, Worry, distress)

Which quality is demonstrated by a character who refuses to compromise their values?​

​

1. Integrity (Morals, Honesty, Ethics, Goodness)

2. Deceit ( Cheat, Fraud)

3. Courage (Brave, Hero, Fearless)

4. Fear (Panic, Worry, distress)

What motivates characters to accuse others falsely during the trials?

​

1. Integrity (Morals, Honesty, Ethics, Goodness)

2. Deceit ( Cheat, Fraud)

3. Courage (Brave, Hero, Fearless)

4. Fear (Panic, Worry, distress)

Word Cloud

Give me one character trait of Elizabeth that is either direct or indirect, what do you think she is like?

Word Cloud

Give me one character trait of John that is either direct or indirect, what do you think she is like?

Multiple Choice

Q: What is character development?

• The process of a character changing or growing throughout a story

• The color hair and eyes a character has

• where the story takes place

• what the character is feeling only