1. Characterization

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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. Indirect Characterization
Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak?
Example: “If one more student talks while I’m talking, I’m going to lose my mind.”
This shows us the character is ....

6. Indirect Characterization
Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings?
Example: He wished it would stop raining, and he thought about how tired he was of sitting inside!
This shows us the character is ....

7. 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 sister character is ...

8. 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 ...

9. 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 ...

10. 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 tells us the information we need to know!

11. Exit Card
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization.
There are five methods of indirect characterization. What are they? Hint: it’s an acronym.

12. Breakfast Club
Watch the clip from John Hughes’ famous teen comedy, The Breakfast Club. What can we tell about each character based on indirect characterization.

14. What have we learned about…
The princess
The brain
The athlete
The criminal
The basket case

15. Strategy to Answer the Question
R.A.C.E.
R – Restate the Question
A – Answer the Question
C – Cite a direct example from the text
E – Explain the example from the text

16. Question
In “The Most Dangerous Game”, which character is the best hunter? Give two examples from the text and explain how each example supports the qualities of a good hunter. Lastly, explain whether or not you think the author was effective in developing the character as a skilled hunter.
Use R.A.C.E (Restate the question, Answer the question, Cite examples, Explain examples)