“Next Term, We’ll Mash You”

Indirect Characterization Analysis

Indirect Characterization Text Quotes Inferences about Charles’ Personality and Values

Actions

Words

Thoughts

Reactions of Other Characters

 “Next Term, We’ll Mash You”
Indirect Characterization Analysis

Indirect Characterization Text Quotes Inferences about Charles’ Personality and Values

Actions
“He looked at the books, the dark brown pictures, He could be shy or upset with his parents.
his parents, said nothing.”
He is very unsure of himself and copies what his
“The child hesitated, stood up, sat, then rose again father does. He seems to value being compliant or
with his father.” at least cooperative.

“The child stands in the center of the room, and it It’s like the room has more control than the
draws in around him.” human. He values silence or being passive.

Words
“…his voice which has floated like a feather in the He is insubstantial--voice floats. He is afraid to
dusty schoolroom air dies altogether and he face a crowd--very introverted.
becomes mute…”
Charles is very compliant, even submissive. He has
“The child does not answer.” the opportunity to tell his parents that he does not
like the school but does not.
Thoughts
“There is a noise in his ears like rushing water, a
torrential din out of which voices boom, blotting He finds contact with his peers so intimidating he
each other out so that he cannot always hear the can barely function in their presence.
words.”

“Over their heads he sees beyond the window an He would rather escape than face new people. He
inaccessible world of shivering trees and high values the freedom of being alone.
racing clouds…”

Reactions of Other Characters

“He looks so hideously pale, compared to those He stands out in a way that is undesirable
boys we saw outside.” (hideously).

“They help themselves to his name, his age, his Charles is unable to communicate even the
school.” simplest of information because he is intimidated
by unfamiliar peers and settings.
 Theme Analysis: Mrs. Manders
Literary and Style Text Examples Themes
Elements
Indirect characterization

Actions While grooming, she blinds her Appearances are of vital

son with light. importance to some individuals.

Words

Thoughts

Reactions of
Others

Vivid Verbs Inspected Social classes may become

consumed by materialism.

Syntax Use of dashes describing the Social classes may become

headmistress consumed by materialism.
 Theme Analysis: Mr. Manders
Literary and Style Text Examples Themes
Elements
Indirect characterization

Actions

Tells wife he could do with a The father seems to care most

Words drink about his own creature comforts.

Thoughts

Reactions of
Others

Vivid Verbs Produce The alignment of “production”

and class

Syntax Repetition of “of course” Certain social classes are

superior.