Characterization Methods

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Jake is selfless?

Jake is Cassie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Jake is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Cassie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her.

• Actions

• Thoughts

• Effect on others

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Kelvin is honest?

Kelvin found a wallet on the ground when he was walking home from lacrosse practice. He picked it up and opened it. Inside, he saw an elderly woman's ID and $125. 'I better get this back to her,' Kelvin thought. 'She might really need this.'

• Speech

• Actions

• Thoughts

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Beth is mean?

Corey dug through his backpack for a few minutes, but he could not find a pencil. He leaned over toward Beth and asked, "Can I please borrow a pencil for the quiz?"

"Get your own pencil, loser," Beth responded with a sneer.

"I just need it for this period," Corey replied. "If Mrs. Smith finds out I forgot a pencil again, I'm going to be in trouble."

"I don't care, dude. That's not my problem," Beth said.

• Speech

• Thoughts

• Looks

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Scott is disorganized?

Scott walked into class and sat down at his desk. His backpack wasn't quite zipped all the way, and papers were falling out of the gap.

• Actions

• Speech

• Looks

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Khadija is resourceful?

Khadija's car broke down in the woods while he was driving across country last summer. 'Great,' he thought to himself. 'Just what I need.' He had no cell signal, and it was getting dark. He decided to stay put for the night, so he wouldn't end up lost and stranded. He unscrewed the antenna from his car and used it to catch fish in a nearby stream. He then used his car battery to create sparks and start a fire to cook his fish.

• Thoughts

• Actions

• Looks

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Michael is irresponsible?

Michael got home, and his mom immediately reminded him to spend the next hour studying. "You HAVE to pass this math test, Michael," she said. "Please go upstairs now and start studying."

Michael went upstairs and sat down on his unmade bed. He flopped his backpack on the floor and picked up his PlayStation controller.

• Actions

• Speech

• Thoughts

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Orson is lazy?

Orson sat on the couch. He wanted to change the television station, but the controller was all the way at the end of the couch by his feet. Orson scooted toward it and attempted to grab it with his feet. The controller fell and landed several feet away from him. Orson quit trying and just watched what was on.

• Actions

• Looks

• Effect on others

Which indirect characterization method does the author use in the passage below to show the reader that Kylie is rude?

Anna volunteered to help Kylie clean her house because Kylie was having hard week. When After Anna washed the mirrors, Kylie said, "You need to use newspaper instead of paper towels, Anna."

"I did," Anna responded.

Kylie looked at the mirror. "Well, then you need to do it again," she said.

• Thoughts

• Speech

• Looks

Read the passage below and answer the corresponding question.

Kiana saw her neighbor struggling to get his lawnmower running, so she went over. She thought maybe it was almost out of gas, so she filled his mower up. When it still wouldn't start, Kiana let him borrow her lawn mower for the evening.

Based on the characterization of Kiana, the reader can infer that she is:

• Generous

• Ambitious

• Needy

Read the passage below and answer the corresponding question.

Coach Eisenhart requires that all players come in at 6 a.m. during the summer to train in the weigh room before practice starts at 8. Idris shows up every day by 5.

Based on the characterization of Edris, the reader can infer that he is:

• Optimistic

• Determined

• Theatrical