English 9 – September 24, 2015 Do Now: Reconvene with your groups from Tuesday, September 22. You will have another five minutes to finish reading your children’s book and completing the Elements of Plot handout.

Characterization is… the way the writer reveals the characters’ personalities to the reader

Direct Characterization The author tells the audience about the character’s personality. This is information that can be spotted right in the text. “He was extremely nervous during the test.”

Indirect Characterization The author shows the audience the character’s personality through speech, thoughts, actions, looks, and interactions. “He was sweating and shaking during the test.”

The “STEAL” Method Speech – Thoughts – Effects on Others – Actions – Looks -

The “STEAL” Method Speech - What does the character say? How does what the character say illuminate his/her character traits? Thoughts – What does the character believe? How does the character feel about him/herself? How does the character feel about his/her family, the world, and his/her experiences? Effects on Others – How does the character impact other characters? How does his/her relationship change over the course of the story? What role do his/her thoughts/actions play in changing these relationships? Actions – What does he/she do? How do his/her actions change over the course of the story? How do they remain the same? Looks - What physical attributes does the character have? Does his/her appearance change at all? What causes these changes?

Primary or Main Characters the plot and resolution revolves around these characters

Secondary or Minor Characters these characters complement the main characters and help to move the plot along

Protagonist the main character, he/she is faced with a conflict that must be resolved, this is often the character the audience knows the most about

Antagonist the villain or obstacle that the main character must overcome

Round Character a character that has a very complex personality he/she have many layers to who they are

Flat Character a character that does not have much depth he/she is known for only having one kind of personality trait

Dynamic Character a character that undergoes a substantial internal change

Static Character a character that does not experience any personality changes

While reading “Birthday Party”… How many characters are involved in the story? What is happening between the characters? What characterization labels can be given to each of the characters?