1. Chapter 4 & Characterization
The Outsiders
Chapter 4 & Characterization

2. Weed? In this chapter, Johnny and Ponyboy talk about “weed”
“I took one last drag on my weed and ground the stub under my heel” (54).
They are referring to cigarettes, not marijuana

3. Who the heck is hank williams?
 This guy.
Considered country music’s first superstar
Probably not the greasers’ idea of a “tuff” guy

4. Discussion
Do you think Ponyboy should have told Sodapop and Darry about what happened? Why or why not? (61)
Is it a good thing that Johnny and Ponyboy have a gun now? Why or why not? (62)
In your opinion, is it ever okay to physically hurt someone else? When might it be okay? Why?

5. Premonition?
“But this church gave me kind of a creepy feeling. What do you call it? Premonition?”
What does this word mean?
Latin root: praemonēre
from prae- (pre-) before+ monēre to warn
A feeling that something bad will happen in the future

6. Characterization Definition:
Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.
Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

7. Direct characterization
Definition:
Direct Characterization SPECIFICALLY tells the audience a character’s personality.
Example:
“The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”
Explanation:
The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

8. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
Definition:
Indirect characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect characterization:
Speech
What does the character say? How does the character speak?
Thoughts
What is revealed through the characters private thoughts and feelings?
Effect
What is revealed about the effect this character has on others? How do others react to this character?
Actions
What does this character do? How does he or she behave?
Looks
What does this character look like? How does this character dress?

9. For example… On page 59, Ponyboy discusses Dally.
“It would be a miracle if Dally loved anything. The fight for self-preservation had hardened him beyond caring.”
Which kind of characterization is this? Why?
Direct characterization because we are DIRECTLY learning about Dally’s character.
What does this passage tell us about Dally?

10. YOUR ASSIGNMENT INDEPENDENTLY complete the handout.
Make sure to use complete sentences.
Do your best!
You can talk to one another, but I expect DIFFERENT answers!
Due TOMORROW at the BEGINNING of the hour.