Characterization Characterization is the art of creating characters for a narrative. This involves the process of conveying information about them through description, actions, speech, and thoughts. – Direct characterization- the author literally TELLS the audience what the character is like via the narrator, another character, or the character him/herself. – Indirect characterization- the audience must INFER what the character is like based on thoughts, actions, speech, interactions with other characters, or reactions.

Character Mandalas “Mandala” is a Sanskrit word meaning center and circle. A mandala shows that the center of any circle is tied to its circumference and the circumference is determined by the center. As such, the mandala represents wholeness. Therefore, your character mandala should represent the whole character, not just one aspect.

Creating a Mandala 1.List at least 10 adjectives describing your character. 2.What animal best describes your character and why? 3.What plant best describes your character and why? 4.What number best describes your character and why? 5.What shape best describes your character and why? 6.List three quotes that offer support for your symbols. 7.What color(s) best describe/s your character and why? (refer to the color chart on next slide) Complete the questions or lists below in a separate sheet of paper. Your character is:_______________________

Redexcitement, energy, passion, speed, strength, power, heat, love, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence Yellowjoy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, betrayal, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard Bluepeace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, cold, technology, depression Orangeenergy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrancy, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention Greennature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, generosity, jealousy, inexperience, envy Purpleroyalty, spirituality, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning Graysecurity, reliability, intelligence, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring BrownEarth, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity Whitereverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, marriage Blacksophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, mourning, death Colors are often used symbolically by writers. If you study the list below, you will see that the same color can symbolize both positives and negatives.

Creating a Mandala Mandalas can have a sunnyside and a shadowside. The dark and light side represents the dark and light sides of our personalities. Mandalas do not have to be perfect circles, but they need to resemble a circle. Divide your circle-shape in two (you may have a picture of your character in the center if you like) or create sections. Label the sides “sunnyside” and “shadowside” or create sections for the different adjectives you chose and label them. Put your information from your brainstorming list on the appropriate sides or sections.

References Strategies.pdf Strategies.pdf