1. STEAL Characterization
-Authors use indirect characterization to SHOW instead of TELL the reader what a character is like!
-They indirectly show us through the character’s speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks.

2. Let’s use the Cat from Dr. Seuss’ The Cat and The Hat!

3. S-Says -What does the character say
S-Says -What does the character say? -How does the character speak (tone)?
S: Upbeat
Text Evidence
Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)
Many of the words spoken by the cat at the beginning of the story have an upbeat tone and meaning. For instance, the cat says to the children, “But we can have lots of fun that is funny!”
This reveals that the cat’s character is an upbeat character that likes to have fun. His tone is cheerful and he uses energetic and happy words.

4. T-Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? T: Stir-Crazy
Text Evidence
Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)
“So all we could do was to sit, sit, sit, sit! And we did not like it. Not one little bit.”
These are thoughts of the narrator as he stares out the window on a rainy day. These thoughts reveal that the character is stir-crazy about his current situation.

5. E-Effect on Others -What is revealed through the character’s effect on others? -How do others feel or behave in reaction to the character? E: Obnoxious
Text Evidence
Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)
Throughout the first three quarters of the story, three different illustrations portray the fish scowling at the cat (pages 11, 25, and 37) immediately after each of the cat’s activities.
The scowls on the fish’s face support the argument that the cat’s behavior at the beginning of the story is not acceptable to the fish. It is clear the cat has annoyed the fish by acting in an obnoxious manner.

6. A-Actions -What does the character do. -How does the character behave
A-Actions -What does the character do? -How does the character behave? A: Dangerous
Text Evidence
Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)
One page 18, the cat engages in “Up-up-up with a fish,” an activity that involves the cat standing on a ball while balancing seven objects. Later in the story, the cat releases two “things” that fly kites inside the house.
These activities are outrageous, dangerous, and should not be conducted in the house. They reveal that the cat’s character is not concerned about rules related to safety and appropriateness.

7. L-Looks -What does the character look like
L-Looks -What does the character look like? -What facial expressions does the character make? -How does the character dress? L: Depressed
Text Evidence
Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)
Towards the end of the story, the cat is asked to leave the house. He is shown in the illustration leaving the house with slumped shoulders and a melancholy /sad face.
The slumped shoulders and sad face reveal that the cat is no longer enjoying his obnoxious behavior. He is clearly upset about being asked to leave, hence causing him to feel depressed.

8. Let’s Give it a Try! Via Harry Potter!
Directions: After reading the next few passages, determine which category was used to identify the character trait.
Says
Thoughts
Effect on Others
Actions
Looks

9. Uncle Vernon-Irritated
“It was Uncle Vernon, still purple faced, still mustached, still looking furious at the nerve of Harry.”

10. Uncle Vernon-Irritated
Looks!

11. Harry Potter-Famous
“There was a great scrapping of chairs and the next moment, Harry found himself shaking hands with everyone at the Leaky Cauldron.”

12. Harry Potter-Famous
Effect on Others

13. Dudley Dursley-Spoiled
“Thirty six, he said, looking up at his mother and father. That’s two less than last year!”

14. Dudley Dursley-Spoiled
Says

15. Harry Potter- Hopeful
“Harry had dreamed and dreamed of some unknown relation coming to take him away.”

16. Harry Potter-Hopeful
Thoughts

17. Hermione-Diligent
“Hermione, however, had more on her mind than the Sorcerer’s Stone; she had started drawing up study schedules and color-coding all her notes.”

18. Hermione-Diligent
Actions

19. Harry Potter-Respected
“Bless my soul,” whispered the old man, “Harry Potter, what an honor.”

20. Harry Potter-Respected
Effect on Others

21. Hagrid-Commanding
“A giant of a man…his face was almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard…”

22. Hagrid-Commanding
Looks

23. Harry Potter-Overwhelmed
“Harry wished he had about eight more eyes. He turned his head in every direction as they walked up the street, trying and hoping to look at everything at once.”

24. Harry Potter-Overwhelmed
Thoughts

25. Professor Snape-Harsh
“Idiot boy! I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire!” screamed the professor.

26. Professor Snape-Harsh
Says

27. Harry Potter- Perseverant
“Harry sprang to the flame door…Harry jumped to this feet, caught Quirrell by the arm, and hung on as tight as he could.”

28. Harry Potter- Perseverant
Actions