What makes a character in Historical Fiction Believable? Characters with Character!!

Character: a person or animal in a story ----- Meeting Notes (9/25/13 10:50) ----- Describe the characters using ONE WORD. How do you know this?

Characterization The methods used by the author to create or reveal the characters in a story. Can be indirect or direct.

Direct Characterization The method of character development in which the author simply tells you what the character is like. For example, “Miss Alice was the nicest person you would ever want to meet,” is direct characterization.

Indirect Characterization This method of characterization is most similar to the way we learn about people in real life. Using indirect characterization, the author presents the character’s personality through what the character says and the characters actions. You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization? Read the following example of characterization. Decide whether it is an example of direct or indirect characterization. (A) James was one of those people who was constantly angry. He looked for trouble wherever he went, and he usually found it.

Example of Direct or Indirect Characterization? Stanley’s eyes blazed as he surveyed the room. The corners of his mouth pointed in a decidedly southerly direction. Carol moved aside as he stalked past her.

Description A is an example of direct characterization. The author comes right out and tells you that James was always angry, and that he was looking for a fight almost constantly.

Description B is an example of indirect characterization. We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth and the way he walked that he is angry.

Which method is more effective in developing the character Which method is more effective in developing the character? Why do you think so?

Methods of Characterization creating believable characters… INDIRECT DIRECT -physical appearance -the narrator’s direct comments about a character -speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character -speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters

Direct Characterization Example # 1 Jane was a beautiful young girl Direct Characterization Example # 1 Jane was a beautiful young girl. She had golden hair and blue eyes, which made her stand out from the rest. Indirect Characterization Example # 1 When Jane walked in the room, nobody could help but look at her stunning, gorgeous face. She commanded attention wherever she went due to her good looks.

Direct Characterization Example # 2 Jim was an honest man Direct Characterization Example # 2 Jim was an honest man. He never cheated anybody in his entire life. Indirect Characterization Example # 2 Jim was very unlike any other businessman. He made sure that all his clients got what they had paid for.

Direct or Indirect? A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

Direct or Indirect? A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try. B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Direct or Indirect? An old couple living near John's house considered him just like their own son. John did all that for them what even a son these days won't do. He would shop for them, get them things and say hello everyday. John cared a lot for the well-being of others. There was an old couple living alone near his house. John used to buy weekly groceries for them and even check on them everyday, just to see how they are doing.

Methods of Characterization creating believable characters… INDIRECT DIRECT -physical appearance -the narrator’s direct comments about a character -speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character -speech, thought, feelings, actions of other characters STEAL

Create your own examples! Indirect Characterization Direct Characterization SHOW TELL Cinderella Big Bad Wolf A policeman Spongebob

Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization Homework Character Direct Characterization (show) Indirect Characterization (tell) Mrs West Bank robber Character from your book