Direct or Indirect Characterization
Direct characterization or indirect characterization?
When the narrator clearly mentions or describes a character's personality.
Direct characterization
What do we use to describe character's personalities?
Round vs. Flat Character?
You know a lot about this character. You are able to see multiple sides of their personality throughout the story.
Round Character
Tell if this is direct or indirect characterization AND name a character trait that could be used to describe the character.
“Bill sighed as he looked at the offer of a gym membership. He really should join. But just thinking about it made beads of sweat collect at the top of his bald spot.”
Indirect characterization
Character trait: worried, timid, nervous
Direct characterization or indirect characterization?
The narrator does not clearly state the character's personality.
Indirect characterization
What does the character trait, vain, mean?
Vain means that you care a great deal about the way you look.
Round vs. Flat Character?
A character that you only see one side of throughout the story.
Flat character.
Tell if this is direct or indirect characterization AND name a character trait that could be used to describe the character.
“As Jane walked past the box labeled ‘Free Puppies,’ she furtively glanced around her, then gave the box a swift kick.”
Indirect characterization
Character Traits: cruel, mean, impulsive
What are the types of indirect characterization that an author may use to describe a character's personality?
Character's words
Character's thoughts
Relationships with other characters
Character's actions
Character's physical appearance
What does the character trait, vengeful, mean?
Vengeful means that you are seeking revenge for something/someone who has done harm to you.
Who is the protagonist in a story?
The protagonist is the main character in a story. They usually advocate for a good cause.
Tell if this is direct or indirect characterization AND name a character trait that could be used to describe the character.
"The rude boy threw gum at the back of his teacher's head."
Direct characterization
Character Traits: rude, cruel, devious
Direct characterization or Indirect characterization?
"Mike was a poor chap who lived in a small house."
Direct characterization
The narrator tells us that Mike is a poor man who doesn't have much money.
What does the character trait, defiant, mean?
Defiant means not respecting authority; not following the rules.
Who is the antagonist in a story?
An antagonist is the person that is against/has a conflict with the protagonist in the story. The "bad guy".
Tell if this is direct or indirect characterization AND name a character trait that could be used to describe the character.
"Ron found cash on the floor and returned it to the office."
Indirect characterization
Character Traits: honest, dependable, thoughtful
Direct characterization or Indirect characterization?
"He bumped his head on the doorway and laughed, Wow they lower that thing everyday."
Indirect Characterization.
We know from what the character said that he is a tall man who has a humorous personality.
What does the character trait, persistence, mean?
Persistence means not giving up on something.
True or False:
A dynamic character goes through a change in the story. The reader is able to see them evolve and grow throughout.
True
Tell if this is direct or indirect characterization AND name a character trait that could be used to describe the character.
"Mr. Thomas is very grumpy when he gets up in the mornings."
Direct characterization
Character Traits: grumpy, moody, grouchy