RETEACH

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Authors use two types of characterization to breathe life into their characters so
they seem to spring from the pages like real people. In direct characterization,
authors directly state a character’s traits. In indirect characterization, authors
describe characters through how they act, what they think, and what they say. The
following passage from American Indian Stories, by Zitkala-Ša, shows both direct
and indirect characterization:
Always after these confining lessons, Louisa was wild with pent-up energy,
and found joyous relief in running loose in the open again. Many a summer
afternoon, she and four or five of her playmates ran wildly over the hills.

The first sentence shows direct characterization, as the author states that Louisa
was “wild with pent-up energy.” The second sentence shows indirect
characterization, as the author shows how Louisa’s actions of “running wildly”
reveal her energy and relief at being outdoors.
DIRECTIONS: Read the passage from Shirley, by Charlotte Brontë, below. Then, answer
the questions that follow.
In undiminished gladness she rose the next day. She entered her uncle’s
breakfast-room, and with soft cheerfulness wished him good-morning.
Generally she was quiet and timid with him—very docile, but not
communicative; this morning, however, she informed him that some starlings
were beginning to build their nests in the church-tower and she wondered
whether the tolling of the bells in the belfry did not scare them.

1. What type of characterization does the second sentence show? Explain your
answer.

2. What do we learn about the main character through this passage?

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 PRACTICE

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

A.DIRECTIONS: Read the passage below. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Brenda ran up stairs to her room, tears streaming down her face. She
slammed the door loudly, hoping her father would hear. She threw
herself on her bed and cried her eyes out. It wasn’t fair. She should
be allowed to go to her best friend’s party.

1. What type of characterization does the first sentence show? Explain your
answer.

2. How does the author use indirect characterization?

B. DIRECTIONS: Indicate which type of characterization is shown in each sentence.

Then explain your choice.
1. Alex is unusually alert and inquisitive for a two-year old.

2. Lauren sighed as she looked at the mess in her room. She knew she should
clean it up, but just thinking about it made her tired.

3. While Robyn loved Marshall, she knew he was not interested in settling down.

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