Characterization

Characterization

What is Characterization?

This is the way a writer describes and provides information about a character.

There are two types of characterization

Direct characterization

and

Indirect characterization

Multiple Choice

What is characterization?

• Characterization is the process of writing a story without any characters.

• Characterization is when a story only focuses on the setting and not the people in it.

• This is the way a writer describes and provides information about a character.

• Characterization is a type of punctuation used to separate dialogue in a sentence.

Multiple Choice

What are the two types of characterization?

• Realistic characterization and imaginary characterization.

• Direct and indirect characterization.

• Happy characterization and sad characterization.

• Verbal characterization and non-verbal characterization.

Direct Characterization

Direct characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is.

For example: The generous man always shared his food with those in need and never hesitated to help a stranger.

Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of the man. He is “generous” and “helpful.”

Indirect Characterization

Indirect characterization reveals a character’s personality through their actions, thoughts, words and how others react to them, instead of directly stating it.

Indirect Characterization

1. Actions – What does the character do? How does the character behave?

2. Thoughts – What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?

3. Speech – What does the character say? How does the character speak?

4. Effect on others – What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

5. Looks – What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

For example, in Act 1, Gros Jean's actions teach us more about who he is - one who kicks animals and has no problem beating old men.

We also learn about him through what he says.

Multiple Choice

What did we just learn about him?

• He is a coward.

• He feels strong, independent and fearless.

• He is a little boy.

• He is going to beat up the devil.

Multiple Choice

This is an example of indirect characterization.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

This sentence is an example of direct characterization: "The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother."

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

This is an example of direct characterization

• True

• False