Bringing your story to life with indirect characterization Revision Bringing your story to life with indirect characterization

For indirect characterization, writers use the character’s Actions Thoughts Words to describe how they feel and what they are like (traits). Using indirect characterization, particularly actions, helps you to “show, not tell” in your novel!

The characters are hanging out at lunch and telling Jack (the protagonist) what his training as a protector will be like. Spencer nodded.  “Field training. Of course, of course.  That, and doing whatever he has to do now that he’s sworn.”  He looked suspiciously at Kat, expecting her to comment. She touched her silver arm band, the one on her left wrist that she never took off.  Jack had noticed it the first time he’d met her back in January, but he hadn’t asked about it.  He was worried about how she would react.  From her reaction to Spencer’s needling, she was obviously sensitive about it. “So none of your business, then,” Kat said angrily.  And there went Kat’s relaxed demeanor.  Well, it had been fun while it lasted anyway. “What’s sworn?” Jack asked, trying to be nonchalant. Spencer started to answer, “It’s--” “Something you’ll learn about soon,” Kat interrupted.  Right, but when was soon?  It seemed like everything about the Lit was to be explained at a later date.  “Now let’s get some food.”  Kat was obviously annoyed with all the questions.

The characters are hanging out at lunch and telling Jack (the protagonist) what his training as a protector will be like. Spencer nodded.  “Field training. Of course, of course.  That, and doing whatever he has to do now that he’s sworn.”  He looked suspiciously at Kat, expecting her to comment. She touched her silver arm band, the one on her left wrist that she never took off.  Jack had noticed it the first time he’d met her back in January, but he hadn’t asked about it.  He was worried about how she would react.  From her reaction to Spencer’s needling, she was obviously sensitive about it. “So none of your business, then,” Kat said angrily.  And there went Kat’s relaxed demeanor.  Well, it had been fun while it lasted anyway. “What’s sworn?” Jack asked, trying to be nonchalant. Spencer started to answer, “It’s--” “Something you’ll learn about soon,” Kat interrupted.  Right, but when was soon?  It seemed like everything about the Lit was to be explained at a later date.  “Now let’s get some food.”  Kat was obviously annoyed with all the questions.

The characters are hanging out at lunch and telling Jack (the protagonist) what his training as a protector will be like. Spencer nodded.  “Field training. Of course, of course.  That, and doing whatever he has to do now that he’s sworn.”  At that last sentence, he aimed a pointed look at Kat. She touched her silver arm band, the one on her left wrist that she never took off.  Jack had noticed it the first time he’d met her back in January, but he hadn’t asked about it.  Kat wasn’t really the kind of girl you asked personal questions.  Or any questions, really.  From her reaction to Spencer’s needling, she was obviously sensitive about it. “So none of your business, then,” Kat shot back. She turned to the left and grabbed a blue tray, handing it to Jack.  And there went Kat’s relaxed demeanor.  Well, it had been fun while it lasted anyway. “What’s sworn?” Jack asked as he accepted the tray and grabbed some silverware. Spencer started to answer, “It’s--” “Something you’ll learn about soon,” Kat interrupted.  Right, but when was soon?  It seemed like everything about the Lit was to be explained at a later date.  “Now let’s get some food.”  She made a beeline for the pizza and piled a few slices on a plate before putting it on her tray.