Describe this character in detail without using his name. Today’s Warm Up Describe this character in detail without using his name.

What is Characterization? The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

How is Characterization Revealed? How does the reader learn about a character?

Direct Characterization tells the audience the personality of the character Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect Characterization shows traits that reveal the personality of a character There are 5 different methods of indirect characterization…

5 Methods of Indirect Characterization Explanation Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others toward the character What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Remembering Indirect Characterization Use the mnemonic device STEAL to remember Speech Thoughts Effect on others toward the character Actions Looks

Practice Hyped relentlessly from the time he was a high school sophomore in Ohio, he has lived up to all advance billing along with his charm, smile, and extraordinary basketball skills. His all-around talent and unselfishness on the court are the trademarks of his play that have made him one of the most feared scorers in the league, but also one of its most versatile rebounders and passers.  

Lebron James Source: LeBron James: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) by Lew H. Freedman (Author)

Can you identify this character? He was twice elected alcalde ("mayor") of the town of Santiago and was a man who "in all he did, in his presence, bearing, conversation, manner of eating and of dressing, gave signs of being a great lord." In 1519, the wily and determined conquistador  was peacefully received by Emperor Montezuma, a sophisticated leader born of Aztec royalty, in Tenochtitlan.

Hernan Cortez http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/notes/cortez.html

Do you recall this character? “You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing...after all, what's a life anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die...By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.”

Charlotte - E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

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