Write down what you notice about the girls in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re5veV2F7eY

Direct and Indirect Charecterization

Direct Characterization Direct Characterization tells the audience what a character is like. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.” Example: “Bill was short and fat, and his bald spot was widening with every passing year.” Explanation: The author is specifically describing attributes of the character Bill. We now know he is short, fat, balding, and aging.

Indirect Characterization Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect characterization:

Indirect Characterization Continued Example: “Bill sighed as he looked at the offer of a gym membership. He really should join. But just thinking about it made beads of sweat collect at the top of his bald spot.” Explanation: The author is suggesting that Bill is out of shape, middle-aged man who is lacking motivation. Example: “I yawned, trying to keep my eyes open in the meeting. I reached for my coffee cup and was disappointed to realize it was empty.” Explanation: The author is suggesting this character is tired and uninterested in the meeting they are attending.

Now it’s your turn!