Understanding Characterization in Literature

What is characterization in literature?

• The process of creating a plot

• The process of creating and developing characters

• The process of writing dialogue

• The process of setting the scene

Tags

CCSS.W.7.3A

CCSS.W.7.3B

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• The author describes the character as brave and kind.

• The character saves a cat from a tree.

• The character's friend says, "You're always so helpful."

• The character smiles at everyone they meet.

Identify the indirect characterization in the following sentence: "John slouched in his chair, avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room."

• John is confident.

• John is shy or uncomfortable.

• John is angry.

• John is happy.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.W.7.9A

Explain what a character trait is.

• A character's physical appearance

• A quality or characteristic of a character

• A character's job or role

• A character's favorite hobby

Which of the following sentences uses indirect characterization?

• Sarah is very intelligent.

• Sarah solved the complex math problem in seconds.

• Sarah is a student.

• Sarah has brown hair.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.W.7.3B

CCSS.W.7.9A

Differentiate between direct and indirect characterization.

• Direct characterization shows traits through actions; indirect tells traits directly.

• Direct characterization tells traits directly; indirect shows traits through actions.

• Both direct and indirect characterization tell traits directly.

• Both direct and indirect characterization show traits through actions.

What is an example of a character trait?

• Tall

• Courageous

• Blue eyes

• Wearing a hat

Identify the indirect characterization in the following sentence: "Lisa always helped her classmates with their homework, even when she was busy."

• Lisa is selfish.

• Lisa is helpful and considerate.

• Lisa is lazy.

• Lisa is forgetful.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.W.7.9A

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• The author writes, "Tom was a generous man."

• Tom donated money to charity.

• Tom smiled at everyone he met.

• Tom worked late every night.

Explain the difference between a character trait and a character's action.

• A character trait is what a character does; an action is what a character is.

• A character trait is a quality of a character; an action is something a character does.

• A character trait is a character's job; an action is a character's hobby.

• A character trait is a character's appearance; an action is a character's thought.