Characterization: Direct vs. Indirect

What is characterization?

• Character traits

• What a character says and thinks

• The process in which the author reveals the personality of a character.

• What a character looks like and what are his actions

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

If the author directly tells you what the character is like, that is:

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

If the author shows you what the character is like and you have to infer, that is

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What character trait is revealed here?
After glancing around to make sure she wasn't being watched, Marissa slide the candy bar into her pocket.  She walked out of store casually, not stopping to pay.

• selfish
• sneaky
• thrifty
• rude

Tags

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

What character trait is revealed in this passage?
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.

• impulsive
• obsessed
• humble
• compassionate

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

What type of characterization is the following example?
Brandon leaned back in his chair during the lecture.  He was bored with the classes discussion of rock formations.

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• He tapped his foot anxiously.
• "I wouldn't  trust that man," said Ma.
• Frank was a shy, quiet person.
• Every time he earned a high grade, he would hang the test on his wall.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

• Marcia was a good listener and wonderful friend.
• Marcia felt the knot in her stomach grow when she saw the number of questions on the test, and she tugged her hair anxiously. 
• Marcia was a nervous person.
• Marcia was an optimist who always believed the best about people.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• Jeff was compassionate when it came to taking care of his nephews.
• Jeff spoke gently to his nephews and catered to their needs.
• Jeff gave his nephews a big hug when he saw them.
• Jeff always asked about how his nephews were doing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A character, Nicki, is friendly. The author shows this by having Nicki sit down at a lunch table with a group of kids she doesn’t know and introduce herself. What is the author using to show Nicki’s trait?

• Nicki's thoughts
• Nicki's feelings
• Nicki's actions

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3