Inferring Character traits The Giver Inferring Character traits

Character A character is a person or an animal in a story, play, or another literary work. Writers create characters by telling us what they look like, what they say, how they act, how they think, and what other characters say or think about them.

Inferences An inference is an educated guess based on evidence. When you make inferences about characters in a story, you try to guess what they are like by: Taking note of any information the writer gives you directly. Paying attention to what the character thinks, says, and does. Watching how others react to the character. Thinking about people you know in real life—or from other stories—who resemble the character.

Characterization The process of revealing the personality of a character in a story is called characterization. A writer can reveal a character in the following ways: Words Actions Thoughts and feelings Appearance Comments made by other characters Direct comments by the narrator

Direct Characterization the writer makes straightforward statements about a character's personality and tells the reader exactly what the character is like. Direct comments by the narrator

Indirect Characterization The writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him. Words Actions Thoughts and feelings Appearance Comments made by other characters

Inferred Character Traits Method of Characterization Your turn: Descriptive Sentence Inferred Character Traits Method of Characterization “I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me during Circle Justice meetings,” Cole whispered. shy -words -thoughts and feelings Cole got up before dawn and made his way down to the icy pond. He would be the first to soak in the water today.