1. English 9 – September 24, 2015 Do Now:
Reconvene with your groups from Tuesday, September 22. You will have another five minutes to finish reading your children’s book and completing the Elements of Plot handout.

2. Characterization is…
the way the writer reveals the characters’ personalities to the reader

3. Direct Characterization
The author tells the audience about the character’s personality.
This is information that can be spotted right in the text.
“He was extremely nervous
during the test.”

4. Indirect Characterization
The author shows the audience the character’s personality through speech, thoughts, actions, looks, and interactions.
“He was sweating and shaking
during the test.”

5. The “STEAL” Method Speech – Thoughts – Effects on Others – Actions –
Looks -

6. The “STEAL” Method
Speech - What does the character say? How does what the character say illuminate his/her character traits?
Thoughts – What does the character believe? How does the character feel about him/herself? How does the character feel about his/her family, the world, and his/her experiences?
Effects on Others – How does the character impact other characters? How does his/her relationship change over the course of the story? What role do his/her thoughts/actions play in changing these relationships?
Actions – What does he/she do? How do his/her actions change over the course of the story? How do they remain the same?
Looks - What physical attributes does the character have? Does his/her appearance change at all? What causes these changes?

7. Primary or Main Characters
the plot and resolution revolves around these characters

8. Secondary or Minor Characters
these characters complement the main characters and help to move the plot along

9. Protagonist
the main character, he/she is faced with a conflict that must be resolved, this is often the character the audience knows the most about

10. Antagonist
the villain or obstacle that the main character must overcome

11. Round Character a character that has a very complex personality
he/she have many layers to who they are

12. Flat Character a character that does not have much depth
he/she is known for only having one kind of personality trait

13. Dynamic Character
a character that undergoes a substantial internal change

14. Static Character
a character that does not experience any personality changes

15. While reading “Birthday Party”…
How many characters are involved in the story?
What is happening between the characters?
What characterization labels can be given to each of the characters?