1. Characterization in The Great Gatsby

2. 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

3. STEAL Method
S=Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?
“He went to Oggsford College in England. You know Oggsford 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

4. 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).

9. Daisy Buchanan

10. Tom Buchanan

11. Gatsby

12. Meyer Wolfsheim Jordan Baker Nick Carraway Myrtle Wilson
Choose a character:
Meyer Wolfsheim
Jordan Baker
Nick Carraway
Myrtle Wilson