Characterization Lesson

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.

Mr. Timpelton walked through the airport in his crisp army uniform and duffel bag. After being deployed for a year in Iraq, he was anxious to see is family. He wiped his hands nervously on his pants, breathed a deep sigh, and begin to head to the airport welcoming area.

How is the character's traits revealed?

• actions

• thoughts

• speech

• interactions with other characters

How is the character's traits revealed?

• actions

• thoughts

• speech

• interactions with other characters

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

Kelvin found a wallet on the ground. He opened up the wallet and saw an old woman's ID card. Kelvin took the ID out of the wallet, walked to the woman's house, and returned the wallet to her.

Which character trait does Kevin demonstrate?

• persistent

• upbeat

• honorable

• rich

After Mark's mechanical pencil ran out of lead, he asked Pete, who sat next to him, if he could borrow a pencil. Pete yelled, "No, Mark. If you didn't come prepared, why is that my fault? Bring TWO pencils to class! You can't have one of mine or you'll never learn your lesson." What character trait does Pete exhibit?

• insightful

• helpful

• angry

• harsh

A person, creature/thing, or animal who takes part in a story.

• antagonist

• character

• protagonist

• characterization

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

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

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.

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

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization