Characterization
This method of characterization occurs when the author explicitly states what a character is like.
Direct Characterization
The universal message/lesson of the story
Theme
This device compares two things using “like” or “as.”
Simile
Asking a question to the audience that is meant to make a point or emphasize an idea rather than actually get an answer.
Rhetorical Question
When an author reveals what a character is like through their actions, speech, physical appearance, or the reactions of others.
Indirect Characterization
What is the difference between the main idea and the theme?
The main idea is what the text is mainly about. The theme is the life lesson or the message the author wants you to convey.
A phrase or expression with a figurative meaning that cannot be understood from the literal definitions of its individual words. (e.g., "raining cats and dogs")
Idiom
What are The Three Appeals?
Ethos, Logos, Pathos
An acronym used to remember methods of indirect characterization: Appearance, Speaks, Thinks, Actions, and Reacts.
A.S.T.A.R.
A character cheats to win, loses all their friends, and regrets it. Guess the theme
Honesty matters
A 14-line poem is usually this type of poem.
Sonnet
Studies show that gas prices have gone up since the Iran War. Which one of the three appeals is this an example of?
Logos
Another popular acronym for indirect characterization standing for Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks.
S.T.E.A.L.
The Lion King teaches this theme when Simba learns to accept responsibility.
Growing up/responsibility
This sound device involves the repetition of final vowel sounds in stressed syllables (e.g., fleet/sleek or deep/sleep).
Rhyme
A commercial showing dogs in cages with sad music and a woman discussing their suffering, asking for donations. Which one of the three appeals is this an example of?
Pathos
If an author writes, "Jane slammed her book shut and stormed out of the room," what type of characterization?
Indirect characterization
“The Tortoise and the Hare” teaches this theme.
Slow and steady wins the race/perseverance
This is the recurring pattern of sound, created by the stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry.
Rhythm
A falsely restricted argument that presents only two options when many more exist (e.g., "You can either go to college or be broke for the rest of your life.")
Either or fallacy argument