Characterization 101
The process of analyzing a character to understand his or personality
What is characterization?
When the author tells the reader what a character is like, it is called ______ characterization.
Direct
Which STEAL method helps readers most when a character’s personality is shown through dialogue?
Speech
“She said, ‘I won’t give up.’”
Which STEAL method?
Speech
“The character shared their lunch with a classmate.”
What trait does this show?
Kind / Generous
Characterization helps readers understand a character’s ______.
Personality / traits
When the author shows the character’s traits, it is called ______ characterization.
Indirect
Which STEAL method is being used when the reader learns how other characters react to someone?
Effect on others
“He felt nervous before the test.”
Which STEAL method?
Thoughts
“The character avoided eye contact and spoke very quietly.”
What trait does this show?
Shy / Nervous
True or False: Character traits are adjectives that describe a constant part of a character's personality.
What is ture?
“The author says Jake is kind.”
Direct or indirect?
What is direct?
Which STEAL method is most helpful for showing a character’s motivation (reason for doing something)?
Thoughts
“Everyone looked to her for help.”
Which STEAL method?
Effect on others
Grover and I were sitting by the fountain, eating our lunch, when Nancy appeared in front of us. "Oops," she said as she dropped her half-eaten sandwich into Grover's lap and grinned.
The character trait Nancy demonstrates.
What is mean?
True or False: Character traits are the same as feelings and emotions. They change from moment to moment.
What is false?
“Jake helped his neighbor carry groceries.”
Direct or Indirect?
What is Indirect?
An author wants to show that a character is brave without saying it directly.
Which STEAL method would work best?
Actions
“He practiced every day after school.”
Which STEAL method?
Actions
" 'You got any cash?' Gabe could sniff out money like a bloodhound, which was surprising, since his own smell should've covered up everything else."
The character trait Gabe demonstrates.
What is selfish/greedy?
A character’s actions, thoughts, and words all help show their ______.
Traits
True or False: Indirect characterization is when the author TELLS you the character traits.
What is false?
An author wants to show a character's appearance.
Which STEAL method would best show this?
Looks
“She wore neat clothes and stood tall.”
Which STEAL method?
Looks
Read the sentence:
“The character rolled his eyes, crossed his arms, and ignored the teacher’s instructions.”
Part A: What trait does this show?
Part B: Which STEAL method is used?
Part A: Disrespectful / Rude / Defiant
Part B: Actions