Characterization How are characters developed Two methods of

Characterization How are characters developed?

Two methods of characterization Indirect and Direct

Direct Characterization • The writer tells us flat out what a character is like, what his or her motives are, etc.

Indirect Characterization • When the author doesn’t directly tell us what kind of person the character is • The writer shows us, not tells us, what kind of person the character is • 5 ways this is done

S. T. E. A. L • • • Speech Thoughts Effects on others Actions Looks

Speech • What a character says and how he says it tells us a lot • Speech also reveals the morals and values of a character • Reading dialogue is like listening in on a conversation

Thoughts • One advantage fiction has to real life • Secret feelings, motivations, etc can go a long way to revealing things about characters

Effect on Others • Is the character well liked? Does everyone hate him? Why? • Is he envied? • Is he or she looked down upon because of his or her career?

Actions • What a character does in the story probably has the most to do with how we feel about the character • Actions can reveal motivations

Looks (appearance) • How a person looks tells us a lot as well • Appearance can be – Looks – Facial expressions – Physical shape

Direct or Indirect • 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. • Direct - Telling

Direct or Indirect • Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. • Indirect – Showing

Direct or Indirect • “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, “hasn’t got a clue. ” • Indirect - Showing

Direct or Indirect • As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try. • Direct - Telling