Characterization

Two Main Types Direct Characterization Definition: The author TELLS information about the character. Example: Samantha was sad. Indirect Characterization Definition: The author SHOWS information about the character. This is often considered better writing. Example: A slight frown appeared on Samantha’s face as she tried to suppress the memories of that night.

Indirect Characterization Typically, there are five ways to SHOW what a character is like… S – speech - What does the character say? How does the character speak? T – thoughts - What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? E – effects on others - What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? A – actions - What does the character do? How does the character behave? L – looks - What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Below are four examples of direct characterization. Rewrite the statements so that they are indirect characterization. Direct CharacterizationIndirect Characterization (Method) 1. Mr. Davis was rich. 2. The boy was scared of the giant bird. 3. That was the most embarrassed that he ever felt. 4. She didn’t trust her boyfriend.

TASK 1 Read the excerpt from “Lamb to Slaughter” and look for direct and indirect characterization. Then, answer the following questions. 1. How do we know they are rich? 2. How does Mary feel about her husband? How do we know she feels that way? 3. How do we know he is tired? 4. How do we know he is mad? 5. What types of indirect characterizations can be found in the passage (STEAL)?

Answers 1. Whiskey, ice, “Hullo Darling”

TASK 2 O We are going to write five vignettes (these are like photographs with words). Each vignette will focus on a different skill or standard. The first one will focus on characterization. Your task is to introduce an audience to a character. Your character can be fictional or real. It can even be you. This character will serve as the focus of your other four vignettes.

Directions O Cannot be more than 350 words. O Typed, MLA format O Must use five types of indirect characterization O Must write SPES paragraph about your characterization

House on Mango Street Example “But my mother’s hair, my mother’s hair, like little rosettes, like little candy circles all curly and pretty because she pinned it in pincurls all day, sweet to put your nose into when she is holding you, holding you and you feel safe, is the warm smell of bread before you bake it, is the smell when she makes room for you on her side of the bed still warm with her skin, and you sleep near her, the rain outside falling and Papa snoring. The snoring, the rain, and Mama’s hair that smells like bread.”

How do we know she is cold?

What kind of character is this woman? How do we know?

Writing Character Sketch 1. What do we want our audience to know about our character?

1. How can we indirectly SHOW these character traits? S T E A L

Other Steps O Create an image in your head – describe the image. O Use figurative language to bring a better understanding. O Take your time and be creative. O Use first person

Marvin The room is loud with talking, talking about real estate, about mansions, about money. White round tables are spread throughout the large banquet hall. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, giving off a soft glow. Marvin sits quietly among this loud clatter. His hand props up his head as he thinks about what the speaker on the mic is saying. The speaker continues to urge the crowd of tuxedos and gowns to money to fight cancer. “Only five million,” the man on the mic says. Marvin listens and contemplates. He ignores the chatter around him. The talk of cars and investments. He is thinking only about one thing: how he can help.