STEAL A Strategy for Analyzing Characters What is

STEAL: A Strategy for Analyzing Characters

What is Characterization? Characterization is how an author creates or constructs characters in order to make them come to life. A character that is described well can seem very real.

Authors describe characters in two ways: Direct Characterization The author tells the reader what the character is like. Example: Ben was the bravest boy in the history of Sanders. The author shows the reader what the character is like. Indirect Characterization Example: Ben barely flinched as his arm scraped the broken glass window and he pulled the baby from the burning car to safety. Notice how indirect characterization tends to be more interesting and descriptive. It requires the reader to infer the trait of the character. STEAL is an acronym that stands for the different tools or techniques authors use to indirectly describe characters.

S - Says A character’s words can say a lot about who they are as a person. How a character speaks to others can also reveal a lot about their feelings. My Example: “It’s not due until tomorrow. I have plenty of time to write my essay, I’ll do it after this show. Or maybe after dinner. Later Mom, for sure!” TRAIT = PROCRASTINATOR, UNFOCUSED for Understanding: “Are you okay, Sam? Is there anything I can bring you? ” TRAIT = ___________

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E - Effect on Others How a character makes others feel tells a lot about them as a person. The effect can be positive (Everyone loves being around Jill!) or negative (Be careful; he’ll stab you in the back). My Example: Anytime there was a group project, the class wanted to have Kayla in their group. They knew that with her in their group, an A was almost guaranteed. TRAIT = SMART, HARD-WORKING for Understanding: When Brian walked onto the basketball court, the other team groaned and their coach began nervously biting his fingernails. TRAIT = ___________

A - Actions What a character does and how they do it can help the reader make a judgment about them. Actions reveal attitudes and feelings the characters have. My Example: When Matt thought the store clerk wasn’t looking, he grabbed the Snickers bar and slid it quickly into his pocket. TRAIT = DISHONEST, THIEF for Understanding: Riva smiled and slid half of her sandwich across the lunch table to the new girl whose mother had forgotten to pack her a lunch. TRAIT = ___________

L - Looks A character’s appearance can reveal their interests or even what they value in life. Looks can also reveal experiences or hobbies. My Example: The scar from the accident made a jagged path from her mouth to her ear, but Joan never covered it up or apologized for it. She wore the symbol of survival proudly. TRAIT = CONFIDENT, SURVIVOR for Understanding: Gordon was rarely seen without sneakers on his feet, a duffel bag for practice slung over his shoulder, and a giant bottle of Gatorade in his hand. TRAIT = ___________

The S T E A L Game S- His advice : “I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. 'Never be ashamed, ’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with. ” TE-Three eager apprentices habitually seek his advice. A- Lovingly names his hatchling Norbert L- Being half-human and halfgiant, he often must duck his head in rooms that are 10 feet or less. Hagrid from Harry Potter 1. Choose a character from a book, movie, or TV show. 2. Describe him/her using 3 or more of the STEAL tools. Post your description on Schoology Discussion Blog. 4. Guess that Character! Respond w/ character’s name & show. First person who guesses correctly extra credit. 5. Please reply ”yes” when a person gets the answer correct. 3 -point cap on extra credit.