1. Characterization
English II, Unit One

2. Characterization What IS characterization? Let’s discuss.
Characterization is what an author uses to show what his/her characters are like.
This helps us to get a good picture of the character in our head.

3. Types of Characterization
Authors may choose to reveal their characters’ personalities in one of two ways:
Indirect Characterization
Direct Characterization

4. Direct Characterization
Author prefers to tell you up front what a character’s personality is like.
Ex.: “Kris is a mean-spirited man.”
Ex.: “Lukas is a kindhearted boy who loves everyone.”
Ex.: “Farrah is wishy-washy, and does not commit to her obligations.”

5. Indirect Characterization
Author likes to give you clues about a character’s personality based on a number of “facets”:
Speech (Dialogue)
Thoughts (Inner-dialogue)
Effects on Others
Actions
Looks (Appearance)

6. Speech A character’s dialogue can give insight into their personality.
Ex.: “I don’t think you have anything to be sorry for,” David said softly. “Your concerns are more than justified. I—I’ve been under a bit of strain myself, and I didn’t mean to come across as domineering. The S.T.A.R.S are—that is, they mean a lot to me, and I want us…I want for them to be whole again...” (Perry 67).
What does the dialogue tell us about David?

7. Thoughts What a character thinks can also give you insight.
Ex.: Veronica Mars - Inner Dialogue
What does Veronica’s inner dialogue (thoughts) tell you about her personality?
Ex.: Watchmen – Inner Dialogue
What does Rorschach’s inner dialogue (thoughts) tell you about his personality?

8. Effects on Others
How characters treat others in a story reveals a great deal about their personality.
Ex.: Frollo’s Discovery – Clip
What effect does Judge Frollo have on Quasimodo? What does it tell you about his personality?
Ex.: ”You are not leaving this tower, EVER!” – Clip
What effect does Mother Gothel have on her ward, Rapunzel?

9. Actions
A character’s actions reveal a lot about a character’s personality, also.
Ex.: “Long Live the King!” – Clip
What do Scar’s actions tell us about his personality?
What do Mufasa’s actions tell us about his personality?
Ex.: “Anything else?” – Clip
What do Kylo Ren’s actions tell us about his personality?

10. Looks (Appearance)
A character’s appearance can give readers or viewers a glimpse into a character’s personality.
Ex.: Kylo Ren’s First Appearance – Clip
What does Kylo Ren’s appearance tell you about his personality?

11. Character Name: _____________________
STEAL Chart
Character Name: _____________________
Speech
Thoughts
Effects on Others
Actions
Looks (Appearance)
“Quote from the story” (Lastname pg #).
Explain in a complete sentence or more what this quote tells you about the character.