1. How authors develop characters
Characterization
How authors develop characters

2. Direct and Indirect Characterization
Direct Characterization - The narrator tells the audience.
Example: “Tom is six and half feet tall, has red curly hair, and is wearing a polka dotted suit with red shoes.”
Indirect Characterization - The narrator provides hints/clues to the audience.
Example: “Tom looks like a giant clown.”

3. Method #1
Appearances
A character’s appearances provide insight into the character
Direct: Tom needed shoes and a bath to wash the dirt and smell off him.
Indirect: Tom looked and smelled like a bum.

4. Method #2
Actions
A character’s action provide insight into the character.
Direct: Tom bravely rushed into the burning building to save the puppies.
Indirect: Tom’s love of animals made him do crazy things.

5. Method #3
Says
The things a character says provide insight into the character
Direct: Tom said, “Ice cream is my favorite food.”
Indirect: Tom spent his whole paycheck on ice cream

6. Method #4
Others Say
What others say about a character provides insight into the character.
Direct: Susan says, “Tom is greedy.”
Indirect: Susan says, “Tom doesn’t like to share this ice cream or puppies.”

7. Summary
Using the four methods of characterization allows the reader to have insight into a character or to make inferences about the character.
Example: Tom is not the prettiest or nicest person in town, but his love of animals makes him a good guy who is well liked by everyone.