Characterization

• 1. How Do Writers Introduce Youto Their Characters?Feature MenuCharacterizationCreating CharactersDirect CharacterizationIndirect CharacterizationMotivationYour Turn

2. CharacterizationHave you evergotten to know acharacter so wellthat you were alittle sad whenthe story wasover? 3. CharacterizationHow is it that awriter can create acharacter on a pageand make readersfeel as if they havemet a real person?He rushed down thecourthouse stairs, glancinganxiously at his watch andworrying about his missedappointment with the newclient. 4. CharacterizationThe way a writer reveals character is calledcharacterization.Poor characterization can make acharacter uninteresting,because that character maylack focus and clarity. 5. CharacterizationGood characterization creates a clear picture in thereaders mind.Dressed in acolorful blue andyellow costume,the matadorprepared his satincape for thecharging bull. 6. CharacterizationGood characterization can make readers feel thateven fantasy characters live and breathe.The majestic whiteunicorn looked unsureof her next step. Shehad escaped from herbrutal master at thecastle, but whereshould she go now? 7. CharacterizationQuick Check Which wordsTommy McSweeney really hatedbeing the tallest boy in the eighthgrade. Everyone assumed he was agood basketball player, but he had noathletic interest or skill.Instead, his talent emerged far froma court or ball field. No one beyondTommys family knew that the pale,muscular kid with curly hair andfreckles was a classical pianistandTommy intended to keep it that way.createcharacterizationto clarify yourimage of Tommy?[End of Section] 8. Characterization: Creating CharactersThe two types of characterization are directcharacterization and indirect characterization.If a writer tells you what acharacter is like, the methodis called directcharacterization.If a writer prefers to showcharacters in action, themethod is called indirectcharacterization.Always She sco wa lgerdu matp u, ss,h e. . . .frowning a rude andfrightening frown. 9. Characterization: Direct CharacterizationThe two types of characterization are directcharacterization and indirect characterization.If a writer tells you that acharacter is mean-temperedor friendly, that is directcharacterization.When a writer uses directcharacterization, youdont have to do anydetective work to figure outthe character. 10. Characterization: Direct CharacterizationRead the following passage. Which words directlyshow you Amayas qualities?When Amaya broughthome a pet rabbit,her mother did notobject. She knewAmaya was a caring,responsible girl whowould take excellentcare of the animal.Direct characterization gives you exact information. 11. Characterization: Direct CharacterizationQuick Check What words giveDr. Chang was the best dentist in thepractice. He had a charming smile, agentle manner, and a warmpersonality. He made a trip to thedentist a pleasant experiencedespite the discomfort.you directinformation aboutDr. Changscharacter?[End of Section] 12. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWriters generally prefer to use indirectcharacterization.When writers useindirectcharacterization,they show theircharacters in action,giving readers thechance to decide forthemselves what acharacter is like. 13. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationA writer can show indirect characterization throughcharacter relationshipsappearancewordsactions thoughts and feelings 14. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWriters create a characters appearance carefully.Through exact physical details, awriter can imply, or suggest, acharacters personality. How is the character dressed? What is the characters posture? What is the characters facialexpression? 15. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationBy clinging to her mother, the child appears to beshy and unsure.By wearing hisScout uniform,this boyappears to beproud of thebadges he hasearned. 16. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationRead the following text. What might this charactersappearance say about his personality?The The man man seated seated in in the the parkedparkedlimousine limousine had had short short hair,hair,piercing piercing eyes, eyes, and and a a seriousseriousgaze. gaze. He He was was dressed dressed neatly neatly inina a starched starched white white shirt shirt andandstriped striped tie.tie.Based on the mans appearance,you might conclude that he is aserious, focused businessman. 17. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationRead the following passage, paying attention tothe characters appearance.The girl in the fancy dress and high-heeledshoes squirmed uncomfortably on the hardwooden bench. Her eyes, lips, and handswere clenched. Her head drooped and herchin hung low. A tear slid down her face.How does this girl feel? What details suggest thisfeeling?She feels sad. 18. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationActions reveal a great deal about people. Forexample, peoples actions can show whether theyreorhelpful and encouraging mean and mockingIn stories, characters actions can also reveal theirpersonalities. 19. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationCharacters actions reveal personality, motivation, and situation.I lovecompetition.We haveto winthisround.We 8thgraderscant lose tothe 7thgraders. 20. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationRead the following passage, paying close attentionto the characters actions.It was a cold October day when Karistis alarm buzzedat 6:00 a.m. She pulled on her clothes and headed forthe door. She carefully adjusted her headphones; thenshe pulled the sleeves of her turtleneck over her handsto keep out the cold. Here goes 10 miles, she thoughtas she headed out. I have to be ready for the springmarathon.began her run. I have to be ready for the springWhat actions does Karisti take? 21. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWhat do Karistis actions imply about her character?It was a cold October day when Karistis alarm buzzedat 6:00 a.m. She pulled on her clothes and headed forthe door. She carefully adjusted her headphones; thenshe pulled the sleeves of her turtleneck over her handsto keep out the cold. Here goes 10 miles, miles she she thought thoughtasas she she began began her her run. run. I have I have to be to be ready ready for for the the springspringmarathon.Karisti is getting up early to run on a cold morningas she prepares for a marathon. Shes probably adedicated athlete. 22. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationA characters words are important, because theexact words of a speaker reveal insight intopersonality.My player did notstep over the line!shouted the coach. Idemand you reviewthe tapes!Secretly, though, hewas sure the officialhad made the rightcall. 23. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWhat do the characterswords and tone revealabout his personality?Harry, show your talents,barked the impatientinstructor. Dont hold backthis time!The instructor pushes hisstudents to work to thebest of their ability. 24. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationCharacters thoughts and feelings also revealinformation about what theyre like.I thought I wouldnt likesummer camp, but itsbeen a lot of fun.Read carefully to learn whatcharacters are like on theinside. 25. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationRead the following passage, paying attention tothe characters thoughts and feelings.Frank insisted that he wasnt tired or hungry, butreally he was both. The long plane trip, with twodelays, had left his patience in shreds. However, hedidnt want Aunt Judy to go to any trouble.What kind of person do you think Frank is?How do you know?Frank seems caring and considerate of others. 26. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWriters also give readers a view of their charactersfrom another angle: through charactersrelationships with each other.How one character reacts to another characteroften reveals qualities of both characters.As you read, note carefully what characters say to eachother and how characters act toward eachother. 27. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationRead the following passage, paying attention tothe characters words and how theyre said.Michael hugged Annie before he got out of the car.Ill call you tomorrow, he said.She laughed smiled and and replied, replied, You You always always say say that, that, andandyou never do!He smiled. laughed. Okay, Okay, Ill Ill e-e-mail, mail, then.then.Youd better! Annie grinned, but her eyes weresad.What does the conversation suggest about eachcharacters personality?Michael is friendly but unreliable. Annie is unsureabout her feelings for Michael. 28. Characterization: Indirect CharacterizationWhich threemethods ofindirectcharacterizationappear in thispassage?Quick CheckIm tired of being ignored, Maurathought. When I walk into a room,its like no one sees me. No moreIm going to get noticed at the dance.When the big night came, though,nothing went right. Mauras dressdidnt fit correctly, and her shawl hada hole in it. Worst of all, as shewalked into the gym, the heel brokeon her right shoe, sending hersprawling across the floor.[End of Section] 29. MotivationMotivation is the reason why people do the thingsthey do. In real life, we may never know whypeople act in certain ways.What could possibly have madeyour brother think he coulddance?Why did your best friendsuddenly find a new bestfriend? 30. MotivationIn literature, you will find plenty of clues tocharacters motivations. Use the clues to find outwhat makes a character tick.Uncover a characters motivations by payingattention towhat thecharacter+ =what thecharactersaysdoescluesaboutmotivationThen, think about the outcome of the charactersactions. 31. Which wordsreveal Sheilasmotivation forworking afterschool?MotivationQuick CheckHey Sheila, said Jesuka. I haventseen you at the mall all week. Wherehave you been?Sheila shrugged. Im babysitting forMrs. Davies.Babysitting? Why are wasting yourtime with some crying kid? Youshould be with your friends.My parents said that if I want totake ballet lessons, I have to pay forthem myself. [End of Section] 32. Analyze a CharacterYour TurnChoose a character from a story you have readrecently, and fill in a chart like the one below.Character profile of:Method of Characterization Details in StoryIndirect CharacterizationAppearanceActionsWordsThoughtsRelationships with OthersDirect CharacterizationWhat the writer says 33. The End