Characterization Questions

What is characterization?

• The way an author develops the plot.

• How an author describes characters for the reader.

• The physical traits of characters only.

• A summary of the main events in the story.

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• "Alan was a student of about fifteen, with blazing blue eyes and an attitude of apathy towards school."

• "With a smug smile, Alan hoisted his backpack and walked away from the fire alarm."

• "Alan thought about how much he disliked being in school."

• "Alan’s actions revealed his hatred for school."

What does PAIRS stand for in indirect characterization?

• Personality, Actions, Identity, Reflections, Speech

• Physical Description, Actions, Inner Thoughts, Reactions, Speech

• Plot, Analysis, Information, Reaction, Speech

• Physical Appearance, Actions, Internal Speech

An author using ​ (a)   characterization tells the reader explicitly about a character’s traits, while ​ (b)   characterization shows traits through elements such as actions and behaviors.​

• direct
• indirect
• proper
• improper
• single
• multiple

"Sally is brave and quick-thinking."

This sentence is an example of ​ ​ (a)   characterization.

• direct
• indirect
• proper
• improper
• single
• multiple

Based on the passage, what trait best describes Logan?

• Adventurous and resourceful

• Practical and content with alternatives

• Inconsistent and unwilling to commit to plans

• Hesitant but still eager to pursue her interests

Categorize the following examples as direct or indirect characterization:

Groups:

(a) Direct

,

(b) Indirect

• "Logan skipped her hike because she didn’t want to get gas."

• "Scott was a ladies’ man with dark honey-brown eyes and a tan complexion."

• "Scott glanced at the woman in a red dress, decided he didn’t like her looks, and left."

• "Alan had blazing blue eyes and a dislike for school."

• "Logan loved hiking, skiing, and walking her dog."

• "Sally ran into the burning building without hesitation."

• "The teacher frowned as Alan walked out during the fire drill, ignoring the commotion."

• "Sally was brave and intelligent."

Match the methods of indirect characterization to their descriptions:

• What the character does

• Actions

• How other characters respond to them

• Inner Thoughts

• What the character thinks privately

• Speech

• The way they speak or what they say

• Reactions

• Their appearance or attire

• Physical Description

What does PAIRS primarily help readers understand?

• A character’s background story

• The plot structure of a narrative

• A character’s personality and traits

• The climax of a story

Categorize the following details into the right PAIRS option:

Groups:

(a) Physical Description

,

(b) Reactions

,

(c) Inner Thoughts

,

(d) Speech

• "Alan thought about how much he disliked school as he left the building."

• "Alan said, 'School’s a waste of time.'"

• "The students stared at Alan in shock after the alarm went off."

• "Alan’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously as he glanced for cameras."