Think-Write-Pair-Share 1. Think about your favorite character you’ve seen on tv/movies or read in a book. 2. Write: In 2-3 sentences, describe who the character is. In 3-4 sentences, discuss whether or not you are able to identify with the character, and why/why not. 3. Pair-share With a group member, share your responses.

Characterization

Picture This: It’s your first day in school. You are nervous enough as it is when a big kid comes down the hall and slams you with his backpack. “Get out of the way,” the kid screams as if it was your fault. You’re in a hurry to get to class, so you let this slide. After lunch, you are at your locker when the guy from the hallway is headed your way again. “Great,” you think only to realize he is coming to the locker beside you. “What is your problem?” he demands looking at you. You want to tell him to mind his own business or maybe offer him a hug, but before you can get a word out, he slams his locker door open and right into your shoulder. “This is my hall and my school!” He screams. “As soon as you realize where you are and what you’re doing you might make it to the end of the day in one piece. Otherwise, you don’t want to be running in to me again!” Do you like this guy? Why or why not?

Definitions Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters. There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect.

Direct Characterization Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.” The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Character Traits to list just a few… Smart Sneaky Timid Stubborn Rude Friendly Polite Sarcastic Picky Talented Wise Silly Thoughtful Thankful Active Fearless

Indirect Characterization Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Indirect Characterization Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak? Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.

Indirect Characterization Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Indirect Characterization Effect on Others- What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Indirect Characterization Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave? Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage. This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

Indirect Characterization Looks- What does the character look like? How does the character dress? Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face. This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

The Difference Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING v. SHOWING! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

Direct or Indirect? “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” No matter what he read, every time Dylan opened a book, he’d be snoring in 5 minutes.

Direct or Indirect? Danielle thinks she is better than everyone else. The man's clothes were filthy, probably since he'd been sleeping on newspapers all night.

For the character that corresponds to your number, provide a detail of him or her using direct characterization

For the character that corresponds to your number, provide a detail of him or her using one STEAL indirect characterization strategy