Characterization When a writer wants to describe a character to the reader, he or she can do it a couple of different ways: Direct characterization – the author or narrator makes direct statements about a character’s traits. The author tells us about the character’s personality to our face. TELLING Ex. “The woman was cruel, holding nothing back when criticizing her children.” Explanation: The author is directly TELLING us that the she was a “cruel” woman.

WHAT’S AN INFERENCE?

Indirect characterization – We learn through the character’s: Actions Appearance Speech Relationships with others When Jane walked in the room, nobody could help but look at her stunning, gorgeous face. She commanded attention wherever she went due to her good looks. Jim was very unlike any other businessman. He made sure that all his clients got what they had paid for.

Trading Cards You will be given two index cards and you are to choose one character (from the list provided) to complete on EACH card (two characters altogether). You will create one trading card for each character. You may be asked to share your work! Each trading card must be set up as follow: Front side (unlined side): A color illustration, taking up the whole card, of the character that reflects Miller’s description. The front side must also have the character’s name and a quote portraying DIRECT characterization. Back side (lined side): Two quotes representing INDIRECT characterization AS WELL AS what you infer from those quotes about that character. Then write one prediction for this character.

Characters Abigail Williams Reverend Parris Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam John Proctor Rebecca Nurse Giles Corey Reverend Hale