Characterization

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

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.W.4.9B

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

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

What character trait is revealed?
After pulling an all-nighter studying, Sarah moved through the dance routine sluggishly.  She was off beat and missed several moves.

• passionate
• nervous
• tired
• bored

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

Characterization is...

• the combination of actions, inside/ outside traits

• How you think about a character

• the theme of the story

What type of character trait is revealed?
Sergeant Stone ran the tired boys around the wet field for the last lap.  Even though the boys were exhausted, he had them drop and do one hundred push-ups.

• responsible
• bossy
• stubborn
• tough

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.W.6.9A

How do characters reveal themselves?

• what is in the notes by the author
• stage direction notes
• the actions and words of the character
• good actors create their own characters 

What type of character trait is the following example?
Jake walked around the lunchroom.  For every new student he saw, he stopped and said hello and gave them a fist bump.

• talented
• friendly
• adventurous
• humorous

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

• selfish
• sneaky
• thrifty
• rude

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.W.6.9A

A character, Carson, looks up to his older sister. His sister had an art show coming up. The week before show, she told Carson not to go into her room and peek at her project. Carson followed her rules and didn’t try to go in. “I hope it’s a painting of me!” thought Carson.
What evidence can you use to support the fact that Carson is “respectful”?

• Carson's sister has an art show coming up.
• Carson's sister told him not to peek at her project.
• Carson followed his sister's rules and didn't go into her room.
• Carson hoped the art project was a painting of him.

An author's goal is to make characters seem _____.

• perfect in every way

• like characters in other books or stories

• like real people

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.W.8.3B