Copy of Direct and Indirect Characterization Lesson.pdf

Reading Literature 7-9.3

ion

power ofpower ofpower ofCharacterizationCharacterizatCharacterization

Characterization

& Indirect

Examining Direct

literature.

Students will be able to identifyand analyze the use of direct andindirect characterization in

Learning Objective

text.Students can provide examples from the text thatdemonstrate both direct and indirectcharacterization, and explain how these examplesreveal aspects of the character.

character.Students can use the STEAL method (Speech,Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks) toanalyze how indirect characterization is used in the

Students can explain how direct characterizationreveals a character’s traits by identifying specificquotes where the author directly describes the

Success Criteria

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

Characterization is revealed through

Info

This is the easiest of the two types to understand.

Direct characterization tellsthe audience directly about thepersonality of the character.

DirectCharacterization

"wise."

Explanation: The author is directly telling theaudience the personality of these two characters.The swordsman is "patient," and the wizard is

"The patient swordsmanand the wise wizard wereboth talented and did notlike to lose."

Example

There are five different methods of indirect characterization.

Indirect characterization showsthings that reveal thepersonality of a character.

IndirectCharacterization

with me and be my love."

Example: The young prince fell to one knee before themaiden and announced, "My beloved, I will have thee; live

speak?

What does the character say?How does the character

Speech

square.

Example: This cannot be my life. I have to find a way out,the jester thought as he performed in front of the town

and feelings?

What is revealed through thecharacter's private thoughts

Thoughts

Example: The townspeople gave a collective groan as theking's trumpeter interrupted their sleep to alert them toanother one of the king's new decrees.

character?

What is revealed through thecharacter's effect on otherpeople? How do others feel,behave, or respond to the

Effect on others

be able to execute his plan.

Example: Jason had finally made it through the ranks tolead general; it was only a matter of time before he would

behave?

What does the character do?How does the character

Actions

for four men.

Explanation: The burly welder arms were the size

What does the characterlook like? How does thecharacter dress?

Looks

Looks

Actions

Effect on others

Thoughts

Speech

STEAL

Use the mnemonic device ofSTEAL to remember the fivetypes of indirectcharacterization

Tip for indirectcharacterization

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Maria was always kind and helpful,often putting others’ needs before herown."

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Maria was always kind and helpful,often putting others’ needs before herown."

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Samantha rolled her eyes and sigheddramatically, crossing her arms overher chest as her mom spoke."

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Samantha rolled her eyes and sigheddramatically, crossing her arms overher chest as her mom spoke."

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Isaac was intelligent, always knowingthe answer to every question theteacher asked."

OR

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

"Samantha rolled her eyes and sigheddramatically, crossing her arms overher chest as her mom spoke."

Characterization Task: Your Turn

FriendBroken Arm

OutgoingHigh-stressJealous of Best

16 year-old SallyHigh School JuniorPlays Volleyball

As you write yournarrative, include oneexample of EACH FORMOF INDIRECTHARACTERIZATION.

Use the characterprofile to the right tocreate a complexcharacter. This will bethe main character in ashort story you write.

Characterization Task: Your Turn

As you write yournarrative, include oneexample of EACH FORMOF INDIRECTHARACTERIZATION.

Use the image of thecharacter to the right tocreate a complexcharacter. This will bethe main character in ashort story you write.

characterization.

In one sentence, explain how indirectcharacterization is different from direct

identify? Why?

Which method of indirect characterization(STEAL) do you find the easiest to

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