Characterization Direct Indirect What is Characterization The method

Characterization Direct & Indirect

What is Characterization? • The method an author uses to reveal characters and their various traits and personalities • In basic terms ▫ How an author is able to make a character have a personality • Done through direct and indirect characterization

Direct Characterization The audience is directly told something about a character

Direct Characterization • “The boy was the biggest bully the school had ever seen, but he spent his weekends at the animal shelter. ” ▫ The audience is told that the boy is a bully • “The quiet girl liked to write in her diary. ” ▫ The audience is told that the girl is quiet

Telling, not showing • Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. ▫ The audience is told Ed is confused and hates modern electronics

Indirect Characterization The audience is shown something about a character

Indirect Characterization • Remember the mnemonic device STEAL ▫ Speech �What does this character say? ▫ Thoughts �What does this character think? ▫ Effects on other characters �What do others think of this character? ▫ Actions �What does this character do? ▫ Looks �What does this character look like?

Indirect Characterization • “The boy was the biggest bully the school had ever seen, but he spent his weekends at the animal shelter. ” ▫ The audience was directly told the boy is a bully ▫ Now, the audience is indirectly shown that the boy loves animals ▫ STEAL? • “The quiet girl liked to write in her diary. ” ▫ The audience was directly told the girl is quiet ▫ Now, the audience is indirectly shown that the girl enjoys writing and reflecting on her day ▫ STEAL?

Showing, not telling • “That Ed Johnson, ” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field. ” ▫ The audience is shown through the effect on another character that Ed doesn’t like modern electronics

Practice: Direct or Indirect If Indirect, what kind of STEAL is used? If Indirect, what does that say about the highlighted character? • “Why do you get to go first just because you’re in a wheelchair? ” the boy said angrily. • His mother was a tall woman who was only afraid of spiders. • He gave the homeless man his sweatshirt because he looked cold. • “I wonder if anyone can see my pimple, ” the girl thought as she walked through the busy mall. • The middle school students scurried away in fright as they saw the high school boy walking toward them.

Your Assignment Write a short story about ANYTHING! - Must include 3 instances of direct characterization - Must include 3 instances of indirect characterization - These must be highlighted or underlined with a KEY - No more than 2 partners - Must be at least 1 full page, handwritten and single-spaced - Due tomorrow if not completed in class