1. Characterization

2. Characterization Readers come to know a character
through the character’s
words,
thoughts, and
actions.
Characterization

3. Analyze characters including their…
Traits
Motivations
Conflicts
Points of view
Relationships
Changes they undergo
Analyze characters including their…

4. Traits Characters have certain traits, or qualities, that make
them unique and set them apart from the other
characters in the story.
Things to think about. Is the character…
skillfull? persistent? friendly?
thoughtful? concerned? lazy?
intelligent? fearful? capable?
dishonest? determined? wise?
Traits

5. Motivation A character’s motivation is what makes him/her
think, feel, or act in a particular way.
When you know the reasons for a character’s actions,
thoughts, or feelings, you understand his/her
motivation.
A character’s motivation influences his/her actions.
The actions, in turn, reveal the character traits.
Motivation

6. Revenge Guilt Fear Anger Peace Love Success Greed
A character may be motivated by:
Revenge
Guilt
Fear
Anger
Peace
Love
Success
Greed

7. Questions to ask about the main character to find out how they act
How does the character feel about __________?
How do other characters feel about the main character?
What is the main character doing?
What is the main character saying?
What do other characters say about the main character?
How does the character change in the story?
Questions to ask about the main character to find out how they act

8. You can tell a lot about a character by examining the character’s relationships in the story.
Types of relationships:
between/among other characters
with society
with nature/environment
Relationships

9. Just as we are changed by our experiences in real life, characters undergo changes in a story.
A character often changes as different events unfold, and these changes can affect the outcome of the story.
Changes

10. What does the character look like?
Physical appearance:
Hair color
Eye color
Clothes they normally wear
Height
Body build
Facial features

11. How do other characters in the story react to this character?
Do they like him/her?
Do they help him/her?
Are they nice to him/her?
Do they run away from him/her?
Do they treat him/her with respect?
How do they talk to him/her?
Why do they react these ways????