ELL Characterization

If the author directly tells you what the character is like, that is:

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

If the author shows you what the character is like and you have to infer, that is

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

A character trait is an adjective that describes _________________.

• an emotion at a specific point in time
• personality
• appearance

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• He tapped his foot anxiously.
• "I wouldn't  trust that man," said Ma.
• Frank was a shy, quiet person.
• Every time he earned a high grade, he would hang the test on his wall.

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.

A character, Nicki, is friendly. The author shows this by having Nicki sit down at a lunch table with a group of kids she doesn’t know and introduce herself. What is the author using to show Nicki’s trait?

• Nicki's thoughts
• Nicki's feelings
• Nicki's actions

Characterization is

• the central message in a story

• the problem in a story

• the process by which a writer reveals a character's personality and qualities

In indirect characterization....

• the writer describes the character

• the character's personality is directly described by the author

• the writer reveals the character through STEAL

In direct characterization....

• the writer describes the character

• the writer reveals the character through STEAL

• the writer doesn't care how you learn about the character

What does STEAL stand for?

• Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks

• Statements, Time, Effort, Actions, and Love

• Solitude, Thoughts, Enthusiasm, Actions, and Loss