Characterization

-How do we know what a character is

like?
-What adjectives can we use to describe
a character?
Direct characterization
The writer may tell the reader directly what a
character is like:
Example: Sarah was a kind and caring sister
to her younger brother Carlos.
Indirect characterization
The author does not tell you directly what a
character is like.
INSTEAD the reader must learn about a
character by reading about how they act,
what they say, and so forth.
In this way, the writers show, dont tell
But how doe the writer do this?
Appearance
Appearances can be deceiving, but they are
often our first clues to what a character is like
i.e. The grandfather had wrinkles on his face
from laughing so much with his
grandchildren tells us that the character has
a good sense of humor
Action
How does the character act?
- The writer could TELL you the boy was happy..
Or the writer could SHOW you in action, so
you as the reader can discover it yourself:
- Luis danced into the kitchen, singing along
with the radio.
Speech
Listen to the character talk, and you will learn
what he or she is like indirectly
For example, a four year old might not
announce: I am bratty and spoiled! instead
it might go like this:
I dont have to do what you say! screamed
Darlene as she kicked the new babysitter in the
leg.
Thoughts and Feelings
Heres where literature is better than real life!
In books we are able to read what the
characters are thinking and feeling
For example: Julie wanted to cry when she
saw the stray cat. Its bony ribs were showing.
She desperately wanted to add it to her well-
fed tribe of cats at home.
Lets Review
Appearance
Action
Speech
Thoughts and feelings