Characterization (Direct vs Indirect)
What is Direct vs. Indirect characterization?
Direct = the author tells us traits.
Indirect = shown through actions, words, thoughts, effects on others.
What does it mean if a character acts in a way that contrasts or contradicts what we expect?
It signals something important about the character or theme. It also usually comes up during a conflict, or indicating a conflict in the story.
What does SWBST stand for?
Somebody Wanted But So Then
What’s the difference between a topic and a theme statement?
Topic = one word/idea
ex: friendship
Theme = full sentence message
ex: True friends support each other in hard times
What is Observation and What is Inference?
Observation: Something you directly see.
Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence.
Direct or Indirect?
Mark was selfish.
Direct
The bully who always picked fights suddenly helped a kid pick up books.
What is the contradiction?
The bully acted kindly when we expected cruelty.
A boy wanted to play video games, but his mom told him to finish homework, so he rushed through it, then he got grounded for sloppy work.
Who is the Somebody and what is their So?
The boy and he rushed through his homework
True courage means standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
What is the topic?
Courage
The character’s hands were shaking.
Is this Observation or Inference?
Observation
Mark grabbed the last cookie and hid it in his pocket while everyone watched.
Indirect
How can noticing a contradiction help us understand a character’s identity?
It shows hidden sides of their personality, signal a change.
Maya had been saving money for months to buy a guitar. The day before she was ready to purchase it, her little brother broke his arm and her parents couldn’t afford the hospital bill. Maya quietly handed over her savings.
What did the somebody (Maya) want? What was her but?
Wanted: Buy a guitar
But: Her brother needed medical care
Even though they argued, Ana and her brother always supported each other when it mattered
Possible Answer: Family members may fight, but true loyalty shows in hard times
Lila’s shoes were covered in mud, and her backpack was torn. She came into the classroom out of breath and dropped her books on the floor.
Identify one observation and list one inference.
Observation = Lila’s shoes were muddy; her backpack was torn; she came in out of breath.
Inference = Lila had been running outside; did not have a good morning; might have been in a rush.
Julia was tall and had curly hair. She was known for her kindness. Julia was in class with her best friend Sarah. The bell rang and as Sarah was putting her things together, she spilled all her paper every where. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay and help you clean up,” Julia told Sarah as she smiled, ignoring the bell indicating to go to the next class.
Identify 1 example of DIRECT
1 example of INDIRECT characterization.
Direct: Julia was tall and had curly hair/ She was known for her kindness.
Indirect: Her willingness to stay and help pick up the papers/her dialogue
Maria usually sat alone and never spoke in class. One day, she raised her hand and gave a long, confident answer that impressed everyone.
What is the contrast/contradiction, and what might it tell us?
Contrast: quiet/shy Maria vs. suddenly confident participation.
Meaning: She may be smarter or braver than people realized; her identity isn’t just “the shy girl.” She could also be trying to break out of her shell.
Without using the words “Somebody Wanted But So Then,” summarize the conflict and resolution in one sentence.
During the track championship, Jordan trained all year to win first place. Just before the finish line, he noticed another runner fall. Jordan stopped to help instead of taking the gold medal.
Jordan gave up winning to help someone else racing, showing that helping others is more important than victory.
Why should a theme be written as a full statement, not just one word?
Because theme is a message or lesson, not just a topic.
The room was silent. A book lay open on the floor.
Give 1 Observation and 1 Inference based on this prompt.
Observation = The room is silent, the book is open.
Inference = Someone left in a hurry or dropped the book.
Tom stormed into the classroom, slamming his books on the desk. He didn’t look at anyone and muttered, “This is such a waste of time.” The teacher thought, Tom had always been a difficult student.
Pull out 1 DIRECT and 1 INDIRECT example.
Direct = Tom had always been a difficult student.
Indirect = His actions and words (slamming books, muttering).
The town’s wealthiest man was famous for being greedy. At the end of the story, he donates all of his money to build a hospital.
What’s the contradiction, and how could it point to a theme?
Contradiction = A greedy man acts generous.
Theme = People can change, or true wealth is found in helping others.
In the fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper, the ant worked hard all summer to store food, while the grasshopper sang and played. When winter came, the grasshopper begged the ant for help. The ant refused, and the grasshopper nearly starved.
Give 1 SWBST from either the ant's perspective or the grasshoppers.
Ant: The ant wanted to survive winter, but food was scarce, so he worked hard, then he had enough to live.
Grasshopper: The grasshopper wanted to enjoy summer, but he didn’t prepare, so winter came, then he suffered.
What could be a theme statement to this prompt: A young girl faces her fears and learns courage in the process
Possible Answer: Facing fears helps people grow stronger.
Why are inferences important when finding theme?
Authors don’t state theme directly; we infer it by connecting details.