DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION 1
What IS direct characterization?
When the author tells the reader exactly what a character is like.
What IS indirect characterization? (Definition)
Indirect characterization reveals a character's traits without the author telling you directly.
Give a direct characterization using this indirect characterization: As Mr. Smith walked by families, mothers pulled their children close to their side.
Mr. Smith is dangerous to children.
Give an example of indirect characterization using SPEECH. Give a direct characterization that supports your indirect characterization.
Indirect using speech: "I can't go out tonight," said Mia. "I have to proofread my essay three more times and iron my sheets. I noticed three wrinkles on them this morning." Direct: Mia is a perfectionist.
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.
What is an example of direct characterization using action?
The cruel man snatched the doll from the little girl.
What is the acronym for remembering strategies of indirect characterization?
STEAL
Give a direct characterization using this indirect characterization: Kylie's name was called, and she slowly walked up the stage, staring straight at the ground.
Kylie is shy and doesn't like being in front of others.
Give an example of an indirect characterization in which your character has an effect on others.
"The boy peered over Charlotte's shoulder to see her answers. He wanted to make sure he would get an A on this test." INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Charlotte is smart and gets good grades.
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. Don't think too hard one this one, it's easy!
The boy is patient and the girl is quiet.
When a mother told her son and daughter they were going to spending their summer at camp, the daughter became angry and pouted. The son said, "Hey! It's okay, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!" What does this indirect characterization say about the son?
The boy is positive, upbeat, etc.
Give a direct characterization using this indirect characterization: Samantha sat in front of a mirror looking at herself, "What does he see in me?" She wondered.
Samantha is self-conscious and worried about her looks and what others think of her.
Give an example of indirect characterization using ACTION. Give a direct characterization that supports your indirect.
Indirect: Joe broke into the store, punched the store clerk in the face, and stole everything in sight. Direct: Joe is hostile and dangerous.
DIRECT or INDIRECT?
"The trusting woman"
Direct!
Give a direct characterization for your ELA teacher. Then give an INDIRECT characterization to support your direct characterization! (Please be nice :) )
Direct: My ELA teacher is very kind. Indirect: She stayed up late and made us a jeopardy game so that we would all get A's on our tests.
Give an indirect characterization about Superman. Then, give a DIRECT characterization that supports your indirect characterization.
Indirect characterization: Superman flew in front of the train, pushed against it with his super strength, and prevented it from flying off the tracks. Direct characterization: Superman is brave and is a hero.
Give a direct characterization about someone on your team followed by an indirect characterization.
DIRECT: Derek is very fast and athletic. INDIRECT: Derek scored 21 points as wide receiver in last night's game.
Give an indirect characterization using an example of what a character THINKS. Give a direct characterization to support your indirect characterization.
Indirect: Bobby entered the game with one thought on his mind: "I'm going to lead my team to victory today, no matter what. No one can get past me." Direct: Bobby is confident in himself.
DIRECT or INDIRECT?
"The little girl stole all her brother's toys little by little and kept them hidden in a secret spot where only she could find and play with them."
INDIRECT!
Give three examples of direct characterizations about Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Sponge Bob is square. Sponge Bob is yellow Sponge Bob is hilarious.
Give two indirect characterizations to show that Nemo's dad, Marlin, is persistent. Must be two complete sentences.
Marlin swam for miles through the ocean to find his son, Nemo. He put his own life in jeopardy with a shark and some jellyfish to save his son.
Give two direct characterizations about a celebrity. Must be two complete sentences!
Steve Carell is a funny actor. He is a down-to-earth guy.
Give an indirect characterization using an example of what a character LOOKS like. Give a direct characterization to support your indirect characterization.
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: The woman stood in the hall, holding a crystal glass of champagne to her mouth as the diamonds on her fingers sparkled in the dim light. Her silk gown draped perfectly to her Louis Vuitton heels. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: The woman is wealthy.
What does each letter of the indirect characterization acronym stand for?
S - Speech; T - Thoughts; E - Effect on Others; A - Actions; L - Looks