1. Characterization and Steal method
The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. Character
A CHARACTER IS A PERSON OR ANIMAL IN THE STORY.

3. Characterization is…
The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character
Two types
direct characterization: tells audience what the personality of a character is
indirect characterization: shows things that reveal the personality of a character
“STEAL” method

4. STEAL Method
S=Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?
“He went to Oxford College in England. You know Oxford College?” (76).
T=Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
“Suddenly I wasn’t thinking of Daisy and Gatsby any more but of this hard, limited person who dealt in universal skepticism and who leaned back jauntily just within the circle of my arm.” (84)
E=Effect on others toward the character: What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?
“’You’re acting like a little boy…not only that, but you’re rude. Daisy’s sitting in there all alone.”’(93) – Daisy’s effect on Gatsby

5. STEAL Method Cont’d…
A=Actions: What does the character do? How does the character behave?
“I want to see you…get on the next train,” (30).
L=Looks: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?
“Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face…”(11).

6. 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

7. Indirect characterization
The method of characterization that 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 he/she says, his/her actions, or how other characters relate to him/her. You must then draw your own conclusions about the character.

8. 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.

9. Which One
Which method is more effective in developing the character? Why do you think so?
Direct characterization or Indirect characterization

10. Jay Gatsby

11. Daisy Buchanan

12. Tom Buchanan

13. Nick

14. Jordan Baker