Getting to Know You Show Me a Story Who is this Character, Anyway? Practice Characterization: All About the People We Meet Feature Menu

Wouldn’t life be easier if people just wore t-shirts Getting to Know You that told what they’re like? great sense of humor snobby

You’d know right away that your soccer coach was And your new neighbor? Getting to Know You looking for love tough but fair [End of Section]

Sometimes characters in stories are easy to figure out because the writer tells you what they are like. Show Me a Story Writers who tell you what a character is like are using direct characterization. Carmela was funny, honest and kind—a rare combination at her high school. She had a smile that made people trust her right away, and she rarely, if ever, let anyone down.

Most writers try to make their stories more like real life—they want you to get to know fictional characters by observing them. Show Me a Story Writers who show you what a character is like are using indirect characterization. Before soccer practice started, Carmela found the new girl on the team and asked her to kick the ball around and get warmed up. Several other players saw them and asked to join in. Their coach smiled. Everyone seemed to work a little harder when Carmela was around.

Writers who use indirect characterization want you to decide for yourself what kinds of people their characters are. Show Me a Story

Tony stared down at the slip of paper in his hand. Several times he picked up the phone, then set it down again. Finally he dialed the number, then waited while it rang and rang. He was clearing his throat just as someone picked up on the other end. “Is Kendra there?” Tony blurted without a hello. Tony was a shy kid who had never even wanted to call a girl before he met Kendra. In situations that made him nervous—like calling someone he didn’t know well—Tony became impatient and could seem rude to others. He usually tried to avoid uncomfortable situations. Which paragraph is an example of indirect characterization? [End of Section]

Show Me a Story Which paragraph is an example of indirect characterization? The first paragraph is an example of indirect characterization. The writer does not tell you that Tony is shy—to the point of seeming rude; instead, the writer shows you these things about Tony. Tony stared down at the slip of paper in his hand. Several times he picked up the phone, then set it down again. Finally he dialed the number, then waited while it rang and rang. He was clearing his throat just as someone picked up on the other end. “Is Kendra there?” Tony blurted without a hello.

Who Is This Character, Anyway? So how does a writer show what a character is like? action speech appearance

Who Is This Character, Anyway? So how does a writer show what a character is like? thoughts and feelings other characters’ reactions

Who Is This Character, Anyway? Action is another clue to character. Luis danced into the kitchen, singing along with the song on the radio. He paused just long enough to give his mother a loud kiss on the cheek, then danced out the door. Action words = Verbs

Who Is This Character, Anyway? Pay attention to how a character talks, and her speech will tell you what she’s like—indirectly. Is Darlene... “I don’t have to do what you say!” screamed Darlene as she kicked the new baby sitter in the shins. timid?stubborn? easy-going?aggressive? or

What can you guess about this character based on his appearance? Who Is This Character, Anyway? Appearance is often your first clue to character. The new boy slouched against the lockers, his brown eyes blazing at Mr. Martinez. He was tall and thin, with neatly combed hair and the shadow of a mustache. His crisp white shirt was tucked into slacks that were just a little too short, showing black socks. Shoes were scuffed brown leather—but showed signs of a recent polishing. What can you guess about “the new boy” based on his appearance?

Who Is This Character, Anyway? Thoughts and feelings can show you exactly how a character reacts to certain types of situations. How would Julie react if she saw other kids tormenting an animal? Julie wanted to cry when she saw the stray cat. Its ribs were showing. She desperately wanted to add it to her well-fed tribe of cats at home.

Who Is This Character, Anyway? Other characters’ reactions to a character can be helpful—as long as you evaluate the source. If a character has something insulting to say about everyone, her comments probably tell you more about her than other characters. Yeah... right. [End of Section]

On Your Own ActionSpeechAppearanceThoughts and Feelings Other Characters’ Reactions