CHARACTERIZATION

Characterization is the way an author develops characters in a story. Sometimes authors use direct characterization, where they directly tell the reader what a character is like. Other times they use indirect characterization, where they give the reader hints or clues about a character through the way the character acts in different situations.

S peech - What does the character say? How does the character speak? S peech - What does the character say? How does the character speak? T houghts - What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? E ffect (on others) - What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? A ctions - What does the character do? How does the character behave? L ooks - What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

The Difference Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING versus SHOWING! Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING versus SHOWING! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author tells us the information we need to know! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author tells us the information we need to know!

DECIDE WHETHER EACH SENTENCE IS DIRECT OR INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

CONNOR WAS FEELING DEPRESSED. Direct Characterization “I LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE!” SHIRLEY EXCLAIMED. Indirect – “Speech” This reveals Shirley is outgoing and not afraid to meet new people. MRS. JESSUP IS ALWAYS PUNCTUAL AND PREPARED. Direct characterization JACKSON SMILED AND WAVED AT HIS CLASSMATES. Indirection – “Actions” This reveals Jackson is friendly, warm-hearted and happy to see his classmates. JESSICA’S OUTLOOK ON LIFE IS ALWAYS CHEERFUL Direct characterization “SEAN NEVER DOES WHAT I ASK HIM TO DO; HE’S LAZY,” SEAN’S FATHER COMPLAINED. Direct characterization because the author TELLS us Sean is “lazy”. Indirect characterization about Sean’s father – This reveals Sean’s father is annoyed or disappointed in his son. (“Speech”) I’LL NEVER MAKE THE TEAM. I AM JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH,” TREVOR THOUGHT. Indirection – This reveals that Trevor feels he is not athletic enough and perhaps has a low self-esteem. (“Thoughts”)