DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
What IS direct characterization? (Definition)
Direct characterization TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is like.
What IS indirect characterization? (Definition)
Indirect characterization SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character.
True or false: Direct characterization uses feelings and emotions.
False. Direct characterizations DO NOT use feelings! Feelings are temporary, not permanent. Direct characterizations are character traits.
Change this from indirect characterization to direct characterization: Tim's whole body started to shake and he ran away because somebody tried to start a fight with his friend.
Tim doesn't like to fight, Tim is scared
What are the five ways of showing indirect characterization?
What the character says (speech), how the character thinks (thoughts), how others feel about the character (effect on others), what the character does (action), or the character's appearance (looks).
Direct characterization ________ what the character is like. Indirect characterization ________ what the character is like.
Direct characterization TELLS what the character is like. Indirect characterization SHOWS what the character is like.
"The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother." Explain what this direct characterization says about the boy and then the girl.
The boy is patient and the girl is quiet.
When a mother told her son and daughter they were going to spending their school break at camp instead of going to Japan, the daughter became angry and pouted. The son responded, "Hey! It's okay, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside and I'm sure you will too!"
What does this indirect characterization say about the son?
The boy is positive, optimistic, upbeat, etc.
Parker really cares about other people. Is this a direct or indirect characterization? Why?
Direct! This statement directly tells the reader Parker's character instead of showing it.
Give a direct characterization for Ms. Miller
For example: Ms. Miller is the nicest teacher ever.
Ms. Miller loves all of her students.
Give an indirect characterization about Cinderella.
For example: Cinderella works tirelessly everyday for her step mother and step sisters to ensure that they are taken care of.
The man's clothes were filthy, probably since he'd been sleeping on newspapers all night. Is this direct or indirect? Why?
Indirect. This statement shows the character's looks and actions. *For 100 bonus points, give a direct characterization about the man.
Give three examples of direct characterizations about SpongeBob SquarePants.
Examples: SpongeBob is funny.
SpongeBob is a good friend to Patrick.
SpongeBob is an annoying neighbor to Squidward.
Give two indirect characterizations about Shrek.
For example:
People look at Shrek differently than they do everyone else. Shrek knows Fiona loves him for HIM and doesn't care about his looks. Shrek stands up for what he believes him and doesn't care what others think about him.
Give 2 examples of direct characterization of a famous musician. 50 Point BONUS: Give an example of indirect characterization based on your first examples of direct characterization.
Example: Reba is a great singer.
Reba has won multiple awards throughout her music career.