Characterization The Gift of the Magi OHenry Characterization

Characterization “The Gift of the Magi” ~ O’Henry

Characterization is the way a writer creates and develops characters’ personalities. There are two types of characterization: 1. Direct characterization the author tells the audience the character’s personality through direct statements. 2. Indirect characterization the author shows information about the character’s personality through: physical appearance speech, thoughts, and actions other characters

Direct or Indirect? Examples: When the student walked into the lunch room, she held the door open for the few students that were right behind her. Is this direct or indirect characterization? Indirect The student is polite. Is this direct or indirect characterization? Direct

Indirect Characterization: 1. Physical Appearance A character’s personality is revealed through descriptions of the character’s: clothing physical characteristics body language and facial expressions gestures or mannerisms

Indirect Characterization: 1. Physical Appearance Examples: A character who usually wears unmatched socks and stained shirts might be described as slovenly. If a character is always smiling and making eye contact with others, you might infer that he or she is warm or friendly.

Indirect Characterization: 2. Speech, Thoughts, Actions A character’s personality is revealed through descriptions of the character’s: speech patterns habits and tastes talents and abilities interaction with others

Indirect Characterization: 2. Speech, Thoughts, Actions Examples: A character who speaks so quietly that others can’t hear might be described as timid. You might infer that a character who repeatedly misses softball practice without telling the coach is irresponsible or unreliable.

Indirect Characterization: 3. Other Characters A character’s personality is revealed through other characters’: reactions to the character relationships with the character impressions of the character’s reputation traits that contrast with the character’s traits

Indirect Characterization: 3. Other Characters Examples: If a character’s girlfriend describes him as a “no-good lying jerk, ” you might infer that he is insensitive and dishonest. If people often confide their troubles to a character, you might conclude that he or she is trustworthy.

Characterization in “The Gift of the Magi” “Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eightyseven cents…There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl. So Della did it” (p. 102). What type of characterization is this? Indirect characterization shown by Della’s actions What does it show? This quote shows how much Della cares for Jim because she is upset she can’t afford a Christmas present for him. Readers can infer that she is caring.

Characterization in “The Gift of the Magi” “As soon as she saw it, she knew that it must be Jim’s. It was like him. Quietness and value – the description applied to both” (p. 106). What type of characterization is this? Direct characterization Why? The quote clearly states that Jim is quiet and valuable or important to Della.

Characterization in “The Gift of the Magi” “Jim was never late” (p. 106). What type of characterization is this? Direct characterization Why? The quote clearly states that Jim is punctual.

Characterization in “The Gift of the Magi” “I had my hair cut off and sold it because I couldn’t have lived through Christmas without giving you a present” (p. 106). What type of characterization is this? Indirect characterization shown by Della’s actions What does it show? The quote shows how much Della loves Jim because she sacrificed her most prized possession, her hair. Readers can infer that she is caring.

Characterization in “The Gift of the Magi” “And here I lamely relate to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house” (p. 108). What type of characterization is this? Direct characterization Why? The quote clearly states that Jim and Della are foolish.

Characterization in “The Necklace” You will now read the realistic fiction story titled “The Necklace. ” Your objective while reading is to look for places that contain characterization. You will identify these examples on a CCR chart tomorrow. Enjoy the story and pay close attention to the irony at the end of the story!