Characterization HOw DO Writers bring a character to

Characterization: HOw DO Writers bring a character to life?

What is Characterization? Characterization is the way writers create and describe a character for the reader. Two types: Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization When writers use direct characterization in their writing, they TELL us what type of character we are reading about by making direct statements about a character’s traits. Example: “. . . he was tall, thin, and bony; and his hair was red beneath the black cap” (Golding 20) What does this tell us direction about Jack?

indirect Characterization Writers most often use indirect characterization to SHOW (not tell) things that reveal a character’s traits through her or his actions and speech. Example: “I ought to be chief, ” said Jack with simple arrogance, “because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp” (Golding 22) What does this example reveal or show us about Jack?

“Steal” Method The word STEAL can help you remember the five different ways writers use indirect characterization to create characters. “S” stands for SPEECH “T” stands for THOUGHTS “E” stands for EFFECT on others “A” stands for ACTIONS “L” stands for LOOKS

Indirect characterization SPEECH: What does the character say? How does the character speak? THOUGHTS: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? EFFECTS: What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? ACTIONS: What does the character do? How does the character behave? LOOKS: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?