Do Now: What are their names? What do they do for work? What are three words you would use to describe them? Point to clues in the picture to support your answers.

Characterization The method used by a writer to develop a character

Direct Characterization Telling When the writer tells you directly what the character is like When the writer tells you directly what the character is like Often characteristic of novels or stories written a hundred years ago or more. Often characteristic of novels or stories written a hundred years ago or more. Ex: “Old Luther was the meanest old cuss in five counties.” “Little Posy was barely half the size of the other orphans, but she had spirit.”

Indirect Characterization Showing Showing instead of telling Showing instead of telling Reader must observe the character and come to their own conclusion about the kind of person that the character is. Reader must observe the character and come to their own conclusion about the kind of person that the character is. How do writers show us?

Appearance Appearances can sometimes deceive, but they are your first clue to character. Appearances can sometimes deceive, but they are your first clue to character. Does the grandfather in the story have laugh lines around his eyes or a furrowed brow from years of worrying? Does the grandfather in the story have laugh lines around his eyes or a furrowed brow from years of worrying? Is the trial lawyer cool and collected in an expensive suit, or is she a sweat-soaked, wrinkled mess? Is the trial lawyer cool and collected in an expensive suit, or is she a sweat-soaked, wrinkled mess?

Action A writer could just say, “The boy was happy.” But if you see the boy in action, you’ll know yourself. A writer could just say, “The boy was happy.” But if you see the boy in action, you’ll know yourself. Ex: Luis danced into the kitchen, singing along with the song on the radio. He paused just long enough to give his mother a loud kiss on the cheek, then danced out the door.

Speech Listen to a character speak, and she will tell you what she’s like – indirectly. Listen to a character speak, and she will tell you what she’s like – indirectly. Ex: “I don’t have to do what you say!” screamed Darlene as she kicked the new baby sitter in the shins. Ex: “I don’t have to do what you say!” screamed Darlene as she kicked the new baby sitter in the shins.

Thoughts and Feelings In literature, you can actually read what people are thinking and what they think shows who they are. In literature, you can actually read what people are thinking and what they think shows who they are. Ex: Julie wanted to cry when she saw the stray cat. Its rids were showing. She desperately wanted to add it to her well-fed tribe of cats at home.

Other character’s reactions What do other people in the story think of this character? What do other people in the story think of this character? What do they say about her? What do they say about her? How do they act toward him or her? How do they act toward him or her? Just like in life though, you have to consider the source. If a character has something insulting to say about everyone in his school, his comments tell you more about him than about the others. Just like in life though, you have to consider the source. If a character has something insulting to say about everyone in his school, his comments tell you more about him than about the others.

Which is direct characterization? Ed Johnson was confused 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. Ed Johnson was confused 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. “ 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.” “ 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.”

Which one is indirect characterization? 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. 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. 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. 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.

Practice Pick one possible character and write a few sentences telling the reader his or her traits and then compose a few sentence showing the reader his or her trait. Ashley = depressed Ashley = depressed Mark = sarcastic Mark = sarcastic Sue = hurt by a friend Sue = hurt by a friend Philip = confident Philip = confident