Characterization Review with Refugee

Characterization Review with Refugee

Observing characters for information about them and the story.

Characterization is how an author provides details about characters and the plot.
The author can choose direct characterization or indirect characterization.

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We already know...

Multiple Choice

Would the following examples be direct or indirect characterization?

"The kitten wasn't too different from her, Isabel realized: thin, hungry, and in need of a bath."

• Direct characterization

• Indirect characterization

Multiple Choice

Would the following examples be direct or indirect characterization?

"I'll be man soon enough!" Josef told them, "I'll be a man in six months and eleven days!"

• Direct characterization

• Indirect characterization

Multiple Choice

Would the following examples be direct or indirect characterization?

"Isabel wished she had something else to give the kitten, but this food was already more than she could spare."

• Direct characterization

• Indirect characterization

Multiple Choice

Would the following examples be direct or indirect characterization?

"The war had made Mahmoud nervous. Twitchy. Paranoid."

• Direct characterization

• Indirect characterization

Most authors rely on indirect characterization because they can describe the characters while still telling the story.
The author leaves clues about the character in their actions and feelings.​

Indirect Characterization

What a character talks about can reveal what's important to them, as well as how they are reacting to events happening in the story.

"I should do something." Mahmoud whispered, but he knew better.

This shows that Mahmoud wants to help others, but is afraid to.

​​Speech

A character's thoughts and feelings can help us predict their actions later in the story.

Josef didn't want to leave. Germany was his home. Where would they go? How would they live?

Josef's thoughts reveal how anxious he is about the future.

​​Thoughts

How other characters treat a character can reveal important details, like WHY a character acts a certain way. This can also show how the character is seen by others.

The two older boys became Mahmoud's and Khalid's own personal bullies, delivering repeated beat-downs between classes and after school.

Mahmoud's bullies could reveal that he doesn't have a lot of friends. He might be lonely.

​​Effects on others

The actions of the character, especially actions towards the conflict, can reveal things about the characters AND the theme.

Isabel tossed an old ball cap on the ground, on the off chance that one of the tourists actually had a peso to spare. She lifted the trumpet to her lips. As she blew, her fingers tapped out the notes she knew by heart.
Isabel's actions show that she is smart enough to learn an instrument and memorize music.

​​Actions

Even the way a character looks in a story can reveal something about their past, personality, or the conflict.

If you really looked at Mahmoud, got a glimpse under the hoodie he kept pulled down over his face, you would see a 12 year old boy..."
The fact that Mahmoud keeps his hood over his face could reveal that he's shy or likes to hide.

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Looks

Multiple Choice

Read the example of indirect characterization and choose the information it reveals:

It was decided that I'd take Mama's jobs for her while she couldn't work. I wouldn't go to gymnastics practice; instead, right after school, I'd go straight to the houses Mama cleaned.

• Maya's thoughts reveal that she hates her mom for not working.

• The way Maya's mom reacts proves that she doesn't trust her daughter.

• Maya's speech proves that she does nice things to get noticed by her mom.

• Maya's actions show that she is willing to help her family when needed.

Multiple Choice

Read the example of indirect characterization and choose the information it reveals:

"Yes, I must always interpret for my parents--at the store, at the doctor, things like that."

• Maya's speech reveals that she often has to help her parents.

• The way the principal treats Maya shows she's a bad student.

• Maya's emotions reveal she's afraid of the principal.

• Maya's thoughts show she hates helping her family.

Multiple Choice

Read the example of indirect characterization and choose the information it reveals:

Maybe I should've felt bad about changing Mr. Shanaman's words, but I didn't. I only felt afraid. It's not okay; it's like lying. But I think maybe some lies are okay.

• Maya's feelings show proves that she has a good heart, deep down.

• The way Maya's father reacts to her words shows he believes in her lies.

• Maya's speech proves she thinks her principal is an idiot.

• Maya's thoughts show that she doesn't feel like her actions were wrong.

Multiple Choice

Read the example of indirect characterization and choose the information it reveals:

• Maya's speech reveals that she often has to help her parents.

• The way the principal treats Maya shows she's a bad student.

• Maya's emotions reveal she's afraid of the principal.

• Maya's thoughts show she hates helping her family.