Guess the Character trait and tell if it is Direct or Indirect Characterization
Direct/Indirect Characterization
Information
STEAL
Plot
100

As Jane walked past the box labeled ‘Free Puppies,’ she glanced around her, then gave the box a swift kick.

Cruel/Mean; indirect

100

Define indirect characterization.

When the author shows you character traits without telling you directly.

100

What does the L stand for in the STEAL strategy?

Looks - describes the appearances of the characters
100

This is the turning point of the story/most intense.

Climax

200

Jim was an honest man. He never cheated anybody in his entire life.

Honest; direct

200

Define direct characterization.

When the author tells you directly about a character

200

What does the S stand for in the STEAL strategy?

Say- describes what the characters say

200

This is when you are introduced to the characters and setting of a story.

Exposition


300

I yawned, trying to keep my eyes open in the meeting. I reached for my coffee cup and was disappointed to realize it was empty.

Tired; indirect

300

With indirect characterization the reader has to ________ the characteristic the author is trying to relay. Fill in the blank.

Infer

300

What does the T stand for in the STEAL strategy?

Thoughts/feelings - describes the way characters think

300

This is when the conflict is being resolved.

Resolution

400

John cared a lot for the well being of others. There was an old couple living alone near his house, and John was so kind-hearted that he bought groceries daily for them.

Caring/kind; direct

400

What is the difference between character traits and character types?

Character traits describe a character's qualities. Character types explain the purpose of each character in the story.

400
What does the letter A stand for in the STEAL strategy?
Actions - describes the behavior of the characters
400

This is when the conflict has been introduced and the story is gaining intensity.

Rising Action

500

Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Indecisive; indirect

500

It allows the reader to decide what type of personality a character has without being told by the author. This can encourage the reader to pay closer attention to what a character is doing and saying in order to figure out what type of person he or she is.

Indirect characterization

500

What does the E stand for in the STEAL strategy?

Effects on others - what everyone else says, thinks, and how they act towards the character

500

This is the first incident that encourages the forward momentum of the plot.

Inciting Incident

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