Character Lesson

Direct Characterization involves the writer

• making explicit statements about a character's personality

• telling the reader or viewer what the character is like

• revealing details about a character without stating them explicitly

• showing character traits through his/her actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how other characters react to them

Indirect Characterization involves the writer

• making explicit statements about a character's personality

• telling the reader or viewer what the character is like

• revealing details about a character without stating them explicitly.

• showing character traits through his/her actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how other characters react to them

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.

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• He tapped his foot anxiously.

• Frank was a shy, quiet person.

• "I wouldn't  trust that man," said Ma.

• Every time he earned a high grade, he would hang the test on his wall.

Reorder the following according to where they fit the acronym that helps us identify indirect characterization:

• Looks

• Effects on others

• Acts

• Thinks

• Says

What can you infer about this character through indirect characterization? Whenever anyone tries to speak to Diana, she says, "You don't know me," rolls her eyes, and walks away.

• Dee has a difficult home life

• Dee is rude and thinks she is better than everyone else.

• Dee has eye problems.

• Dee has a lot of friends.

The main character in a story is the...

• Antagonist

• Only character

• Protagonist

• Most popular character

The character, thing, or event which is OPPOSING the main character is..

• antagonist

• protagonist

• static character

• villian

What is a foil character?

• The central character

• The character that opposes the central character

• A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight qualities of the other character

• A character who manages to always disrupt the plans of the protagonist.

Match the following

• Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy

• Foil

• Lightning McQueen & Jackson Storm

• Foil

• Simba & Nala

• Foil

• Romeo & Mercutio

• Not Foil

• Katniss & Peeta

• Not Foil