Characterization

​Understanding Characterization and Character Development

Direct and Indirect Characterization

• "Mr. Jones was a strict and intimidating teacher."

• "The students froze in their seats as Mr. Jones entered, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silent room."

​Which description gives you a clearer picture of Mr. Jones? Why?

• Direct Characterization: When the author tells the audience directly about a character. The author used ADJECTIVES to describe the character.

  Ex. "Mr. Jones was a strict and intimidating teacher."

  "She was cheery, always upbeat person."

• Indirect Characterization: When the audience learns about a character through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions (S.T.E.A.L. method).

  Ex. "The students froze in their seats as Mr. Jones entered, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silent room."

  "Her lighthouse smile beckoned across the crowd."

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

Indirect Characterization: When the audience learns about a character through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions (S.T.E.A.L. method).

• Speech

• Thoughts

• Effect on others

• Actions

• Looks

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

1. Speech

• What the character says and how they say it can reveal their personality, background, and emotional state.

• Example: A character who uses formal language may seem educated or reserved, while one who uses slang might appear casual or rebellious.

Formal Dialogue (Reflecting a polite or professional tone):

• “I apologize for the inconvenience, Mrs. Carter. I assure you we will resolve this matter promptly.”

Informal Dialogue (Reflecting casual, everyday speech)

• “Oh man, I totally forgot to bring my notebook. Mind if I borrow yours?”

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

2. Thoughts

• Insights into a character's inner thoughts and feelings can reveal motivations, fears, or values.

• Example: A character worrying about making a mistake might demonstrate insecurity or a strong desire to succeed.

"As Mia stood in front of the crowded room, clutching her cue cards, her mind raced. What if I forget my lines? What if they laugh at me? She felt her palms grow sweaty, and her stomach churned. Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself, "You’ve practiced this a hundred times. You can do it."

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

3. Effect on Others

• How other characters react to or interact with the character can provide clues about their traits.

• Example: If people avoid a character, it might suggest they are intimidating or unkind. Conversely, if others confide in them, they may be seen as trustworthy or kind-hearted.

"As Clara walked into the cafeteria, conversations fell silent. Students turned their heads and hurriedly whispered to one another. A few even moved their trays to other tables. Clara sighed, pretending not to notice."

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

4. Actions

• What a character does, how they behave in situations, and their decisions reveal their personality and priorities.

• Example: A character who helps a stranger in need shows compassion, while one who ignores them may seem indifferent.

"Lila spotted a stray puppy shivering in the rain. Without hesitation, she knelt down, scooped it up, and wrapped it in her scarf. "Don’t worry, little guy, I’ll take care of you," she whispered.

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

5. Looks

• A character's physical appearance, clothing, and body language can indicate their personality, mood, or role in the story.

• Example: A character wearing tattered clothes might suggest poverty, or someone with a confident posture might exude self-assurance.

"Elliot’s coat was patched in several places, his shoes had holes, and his hands were rough and calloused. His eyes, though weary, carried a spark of determination."

​Direct and Indirect Characterization

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is an example of direct characterization?

• Emily’s bright smile lit up the room, and her laughter was contagious.

• Emily was a cheerful and outgoing person.

• Everyone loved being around Emily because she always made them feel special.

• Emily often baked cookies for her friends as a way to show her appreciation.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses indirect characterization through actions?

• Sarah was known for being generous.

• Sarah always thought it was important to help those in need.

• Sarah was generous and kind to everyone she met.

• Sarah handed her last dollar to the homeless man and walked away smiling.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following dialogues reveals a character's personality indirectly?

• “I’m so angry right now,” Max said.

• Max was determined to succeed no matter what obstacles he faced.

• “I don’t care if it’s raining! We’re not giving up until we reach the top of the mountain,” Max shouted.

• Max always believed in pushing his limits.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses indirect characterization through thoughts?

• “I think I’ll go to the party tonight,” Anna said.

• Anna sat in her room, thinking about how her friends always seemed to have more fun than she did. Maybe it was because she was too shy to speak up.

• Anna told her friends she wasn’t sure about going to the party.

• Anna was shy and often felt left out.

Multiple Choice

What does the reaction of other characters tell us about the protagonist in this example?
“Whenever Mia entered the room, people turned to her with smiles, eager to hear what she had to say.”

• Mia is intimidating.

• Mia is shy and quiet.

• Mia is charismatic and well-liked.

• Mia is mysterious and reserved.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses direct characterization?

• David was a talented and hardworking musician.

• David spent hours practicing the piano every day, his fingers flying over the keys with determination.

• The sound of David’s music often made his neighbors pause to listen in awe.

• David’s passion for music was evident in every note he played.

Multiple Choice

What can you infer about the character from this description?
“Her dress was neatly pressed, and her shoes shone as though they had just been polished. She adjusted her glasses and smiled warmly at everyone she passed.”

• She is disorganized.

• She is confident and professional.

• She is careless.

• She is shy and reserved.

Multiple Choice

What does this action reveal about the character?
“John stayed behind after class to help his teacher clean up the scattered papers and books.”

• John is lazy.

• John is helpful and considerate.

• John is shy and quiet.

• John is disorganized.

Multiple Choice

What can you infer about Lisa from this description?
“Lisa’s jokes always made her friends laugh so hard they cried. They often said she was the funniest person they knew.”

• Lisa is funny and entertaining.

• Lisa is rude.

• Lisa is quiet and reserved.

• Lisa is serious.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence includes both direct and indirect characterization?

• Thomas was a brave firefighter who always put others first.

• Thomas hesitated but ultimately decided to help.

• The crowd cheered as Thomas saved the day.

• Thomas ran into the burning building without hesitation, carrying a child out safely. He was a brave firefighter who always put others first.