Characterization

What is characterization?

• The way an author introduces the personalities of characters

• The way an author describes the setting

• The way characters talk

• When readers relate to characters

Direct Characterization is

• when characters overcome the conflict in the story.

• when readers identify the setting in a story.

• when authors tell the reader about the character's personality.

• the way characters interact.

When an author provides hints about what a character is like it's called

• Direct Characterization

• Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

• Carrot Station

Based on this passage, what are character traits to describe the narrator?

My throat closed and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes . . . this can't be happening I silently screamed.

• Kind, Thoughtful

• Nervous, Afraid

• Focused, Athletic

• Athletic, Talented

• Caring, Selfless

Read the following passage and decide if it is a better example of direct or indirect characterization.

Peter wasn't interested in the TV show that was playing, but the remote control was all the way across the room, so he just watched it anyway. Jan would be home soon, and she could fetch it for him then.

• Direct

• Indirect

 

Read the following passage and decide if it is a better example of direct or indirect characterization.

Because Joe is an honest guy, he decided to return the chocolate bar he forgot to pay for.

• Direct

• Indirect

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. She gratefully accepts. Jake is now colder, but he is happier.

What character trait does Jake show?

• considerate

• selfish

• cautious

• respectful

Craig is a football player training over the summer for next season. The coach demands that all players come in at 6:00 AM and lift weights until 8:00 AM, when practice begins. Craig gets there at 5:00 AM to begin his training.

What character trait does Craig exhibit?

• eager

• selfish

• encouraging

• dedicated

Anna volunteered to help Kylie clean her house. When Anna washed the mirrors, Kylie asked her if she used paper towels instead of newspapers. When Anna admitted that she had, Kylie asked her to redo them. Then, while Anna was sweeping, Kylie corrected her on her technique. "Don't just push the dirt around, Anna. SWEEP it," Kylie told Anna.

What character trait does Kylie demonstrate?

• unappreciative

• moody

• observant

• quick

Corey came back from the bathroom and noticed that her rainbow pencil was missing. She looked around the room and saw that Beth was using a rainbow pencil. Corey started crying uncontrollably and ran out of the room.

Which character trait does Corey demonstrate?

• active

• emotional

• suspicious

• reasonable