Copy of Direct and Indirect Characterization Lesson.pdf

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Examining Direct

& Indirect

Characterization

Reading Literature 7-9.3

Learning Objective

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

literature.

Success Criteria

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

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

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

Characterization is revealed through

Info

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

DirectCharacterization

Direct characterization tellsthe audience directly about thepersonality of the character.

This is the easiest of the two types to understand.

Example

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

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

"wise."

IndirectCharacterization

Indirect characterization showsthings that reveal thepersonality of a character.

There are five different methods of indirect characterization.

Speech

What does the character say?How does the character

speak?

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

with me and be my love."

Thoughts

What is revealed through thecharacter's private thoughts

and feelings?

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

square.

Effect on others

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

character?

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.

Actions

What does the character do?How does the character

behave?

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

be able to execute his plan.

Looks

What does the characterlook like? How does thecharacter dress?

Explanation: The burly welder arms were the size

for four men.

Tip for indirectcharacterization

STEAL

Speech

Thoughts

Use the mnemonic device ofSTEAL to remember the fivetypes of indirectcharacterization

Effect on others

Actions

Looks

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

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

OR

DirectCharacterization

IndirectCharacterization

Characterization Task: Your Turn

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

16 year-old SallyHigh School JuniorPlays Volleyball

OutgoingHigh-stressJealous of Best

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

FriendBroken Arm

Characterization Task: Your Turn

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

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

Exit Ticket

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

identify? Why?

In one sentence, explain how indirectcharacterization is different from direct

characterization.