Indirect and Direct Characterization

CHARACTERIZATION

DEVELOPING CHARACTERS

ONE TRAIT

AT A TIME

characterization

Characterization is how an author develops a character in the story. Through what a reader can see & what the reader can learn from what the character says, does, thinks & feels.

direct characterization

the author gives/tells you the description of the character (i.e. physical traits like eye color, hair color, fat/skinny, clothing & appearance)

indirect characterization

reader must take a guess or make an inference about the character based on what the character is saying, how they are acting, and what other people in the story are saying about the character

Pair Share.
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

The difference between direct and indirect characterization is that direct is when ________ and indirect is when the author ______________.

Drag and Drop

What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

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​

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. Indirect is when the author ​

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the author tells you exactly how a character is,

looks, or acts

does not tell you exactly about a character

in the text and you have to infer

Multiple Choice

What does the "T" in STEAL stand for?

• thoughts

• touch

• tone

• time

Multiple Select

What does the "E" in STEAL stand for?

Select two answers.

• emotions of others

• effect on others

• emotions of character

• energy of others

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION?

• he is a yellow sponge with holes, he has blues, buckteeth, skinny arms and legs, and wears a white shirt and brown pants

• he is happy because he is smiling and making the thumbs up sign

Multiple Choice

Jonathan looked at the homeless dog walking down the street of his neighborhood. He approached the dog, slowly cautiously, with his hands stretched outward. After gaining his trust, Jonathan took the dog home, gave him a warm bath, and big bowl of food.

Based on the paragraph the reader can conclude that Jonathan is-

• impulsive

• obsessed

• humble

• compassionate

Drag and Drop

Which line of dialogue best shows that Ginger is a hostile character?

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"Black Beauty, why do they hate us so much?" Ginger asked.

"Black Beauty, I will punish them all!

"I am so hungry, Black Beauty. Why are we so hungry?" Ginger cried.

"I will never hurt another human as long as I live!" Ginger declared.

Dropdown

Which of the following personality traits did Black Beauty possess in this scene? Check all that apply.

Select answer

Select answer

Select answer