Bellringer What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization? Which approach to characterization is represented by the STEAL method? What does STEAL stand for?

Methods of Characterization Lesson 2

Objectives TLW cite evidence to prove our inferences about the complex characters within a text. TLW identify the motivations of the characters and how that drives conflict and plot.

Quick Review Who is the protagonist? What conflicts cause the rising action in the story? What is the climax? How is the story resolved?

Group Activity Quote What is happening in simple language? What type of characterization is being used? What is being revealed about the narrator’s personality/motivations? When I was a child I had a natural goodness of soul which led me to love animals — all kinds of animals, but especially those animals we call pets…  

Group Activity Quote What is happening in simple language? What type of characterization is being used? What is being revealed about the narrator’s personality/motivations? When I was a child I had a natural goodness of soul which led me to love animals — all kinds of animals, but especially those animals we call pets…  The protagonist is explaining how he has had a love of animals since he was a small child, and he has always enjoyed having pets.  

Group Activity Quote What is happening in simple language? What type of characterization is being used? What is being revealed about the narrator’s personality/motivations? When I was a child I had a natural goodness of soul which led me to love animals — all kinds of animals, but especially those animals we call pets…  The protagonist is explaining how he has had a love of animals since he was a small child, and he has always enjoyed having pets.  Direct NOTE: If the quote is using indirect characterization, then identify which part of the STEAL method is being used.  

Group Activity Quote What is happening in simple language? What type of characterization is being used? What is being revealed about the narrator’s personality/motivations? When I was a child I had a natural goodness of soul which led me to love animals — all kinds of animals, but especially those animals we call pets…  The protagonist is explaining how he has had a love of animals since he was a small child, and he has always enjoyed having pets.  Direct NOTE: If the quote is using indirect characterization, then identify which part of the STEAL method is being used.  The narrator claims that he is naturally good. He comes to this conclusion based on his lifelong love for animals; however, his actions in “The Black Cat” contradict this assertion. This reveals that he may not be a reliable narrator.

Group Activity Reminders You will be traveling to appointments. Each group gets 5 minutes with each question. You will read each question as a group, discuss it and answer on YOUR OWN PAPER. I will collect your individual answer sheet at the end. This will be where you complete your exit ticket as well. Group rules are the same as always: Talk to your group About the topic In a whisper

Head Back to Your Original Groups…

How do we apply these concepts? How does this relate to citing textual evidence? We’ve been working backward! Look at the example on the first line of your chart. If a CCC question asked you to identify where in the text the protagonist’s words contradicted his actions, this would be a quote that you could use. Early in “The Black Cat,” the protagonist claims that he has been a naturally good person from the time he was a child; however, this contradicts his violent actions toward both his wife and his cat later on in the story. The narrator states, “When I was a child I had a natural goodness of soul which led me to love animals — all kinds of animals, but especially those animals we call pets…” (Poe para. 1). The natural goodness that the narrator claims to have had throughout his life does not pair with his violently murderous, deceptive, and maniacal acts as the story reaches its climax.

Exit Ticket Read the following quotes from “The Black Cat.” Determine whether they are examples of direct or indirect characterization. If the quote is implementing indirect characterization, specify which type it is using and what it teaches us about the character. Write your answers on a sticky note and place it on your chart before you leave today. Turn in your chart, sticky note, and appointment card. “From my childhood, I was noted for my gentleness and kindness.” “I slipped a noose around the cat’s neck and hung in to the limb of a tree in the garden.” “And now was I indeed wretched.”

If we have extra time…