Characters
This reclusive Maycomb resident silently leaves small trinkets in a tree knot-hole and mends Jem's torn pants.
Arthur "Boo" Radley
Jem loses this item on the Radley fence wire during a nighttime attempt to peek through the window.
Pants
Occurs when an author explicitly states a character's trait (e.g., "Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire").
Direct Characterization
The author's underlying attitude toward their subject matter or audience in a literary work.
What is Tone?
made less severe or burdensome
assuaged
An open-minded neighbor who loves gardening, respects Atticus, and loses her house to a winter fire.
Miss Maudie Atkinson
Mr. Nathan Radley fills the oak tree knot-hole with this material to sever Boo's connection to the children.
Occurs when an author reveals traits through Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, or Looks.
Indirect Chracterization
The deliberate, specific word choices an author uses to build tone and mood.
Diction
a surprise attack
Foray
This impoverished classmate refuses money he cannot pay back and pours molasses syrup all over his food at the Finch house.
Walter Cunningham Jr.
Scout panics and thinks the world is ending in Chapter 8 because Maycomb experiences this rare weather event.
Snow
Scout wearing overalls instead of dresses and running around with Jem reflects this specific dimension of characterization (Internal or External?).
External Characterization
When Atticus calls racism "Maycomb’s usual disease," Harper Lee’s authorial tone toward prejudice is best described as this.
What is disapproving
spiteful, showing ill will
Malevolent
Atticus's sister who insists on strict Southern decorum, traditional gender roles, and family pride.
Aunt Alexandra
Atticus shocks Jem and Scout by using a rifle to shoot this rabid dog in Chapter 10.
What is Tim Johnson
Scout feeling secretly guilty after beating up Walter Cunningham shows this dimension of characterization.
Internal Characterization
Adult Scout's opening narration describing Maycomb as a tired, old town establishes this reflective tone.
Nostalgic/Reminiscent
calmly; quietly
Placidly
An ill-tempered elderly neighbor who displays moral courage by overcoming a morphine addiction before she dies.
Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose?
Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes after she insults Atticus, resulting in this month-long punishment.
Reading aloud to Mrs. Dubose
Atticus dropping his gun and keeping his marksmanship a secret indirectly reveals this key personality trait.
Humility or Restraint
The tone shift in Chapter 10 when Tim Johnson approaches down the street changes from disappointed to this.
What is tense/proud (of Atticus)
strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds
Disapprobation