Characterization

Characterization is

• the central message in a story

• the problem in a story

• the process by which a writer reveals a character's personality and qualities

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In indirect characterization....

• the writer describes the character

• the character's personality is directly described by the author

• the writer reveals the character through STEAL

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In direct characterization....

• the writer describes the character

• the writer reveals the character through STEAL

• the writer doesn't care how you learn about the character

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does STEAL stand for?

• Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks

• Statements, Time, Effort, Actions, and Love

• Solitude, Thoughts, Enthusiasm, Actions, and Loss

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Character traits are adjectives that describe the qualities of a character. 
Read the following passage from a story: 
Mercy snorted. She should have known better than to challenge Victoria. Of all Mercy's friends, Victoria talked loudest, ran fastest, and took the most risks. She bragged about the time she convinced her older brothers to spend a weekend building her a fort. Mercy liked to call Victoria "Buster". "Because you are always busting things up," she laughed. Victoria wore the nickname with pride. 
Based on the passage, which of the following is one of Victoria's traits?

• forgetful
• confused
• bold
• shy

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Read the passage and then answer the question below: 
"No, indeed. I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all," [the Scarecrow] answered sadly. 
"Oh", said Dorothy, "I am awfully sorry for you."
"Do you think," he asked, "if I go to the Emerald City with you, that Oz would give me some brains?"
"I cannot tell", she returned, "but you may come with me, if you like. If Oz will not give you any brains you will be no worse off than you are now." 
Which detail from the passage best shows us that Dorothy is caring and kind? 

• "I cannot tell," she returned..."
• ""I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all,"[the Scarecrow] answered sadly."
• "Oh", said Dorothy, "I am awfully sorry for you."
• "Do you think," he asked, "if I go to the Emerald City with you, that Oz would give me some brains?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Read the following passage: 
"We did it! We did it! We did it!" Mei boasted, slapping her hand against the table, scattering toast crumbs, knocking aside teaspoons and almost smearing the butter in her zeal. 
"Whoa!" her brohter exclaimed, startled. "Well congratulations!"
Mei stood up and triumphantly strutted around the kitchen, transforming her walk around the breakfast table into a victory parade. 
Her brother laughed, suprised and amused. "Who are you, and what have you done with me sister, Mei?" he teased. 
Based on the passage, what can you infer about the main character Mei? 

• Mei is outgoing and loud
• Mei is timid
• Mei is not very athletic
• Mei is not usually so boastful and energetic

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

The problem is resolved during the 

• climax
• resolution
• rising action

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

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.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3