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METHODS OF CHARACTERIZATION
Title of Selection: The Chosen Author: Chaim Potok (Reuven)
Method INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The character is revealed through his/her own speech. Citations with page or line #s Traits revealed Comments/Explanations, etc.

The author describes how the character looks, dresses, etc.

1. We were similar in build, thin and lithe with somewhat spindly arm and legs. . . Ch. 1 pg. 14

1.Similar to others,

1. The author shows that even though there are different types of religions in the world people are still the same. Danny and Reuven are two different types of Jews, but both have a way with the words of their God. They both worship a God or Rabbi in some way, shape, or form which makes them similar. 2. The author is showing readers that Reuven can be physically blinded as well as using blindness as a motif. Reuven is blinded by his ignorance to Hasidic Jews. Reuven has this hatred towards Hasidic Jews, not each individual, but them as a whole and thinks and treats them all the same. The purpose of Reuvens character is to teach and learn about sight and blindness. 1. The author reveals that Reuven is obviously very respectful person. Reuven knows how to treat people right and wrong, but always finds a way to make the correct choice. In making the right choice he gains a friend. This friend foreshadows many events

2.I wore shell-rimmed glasses, and before every game I would bend the earpieces in so the glasses would stay tight on my head and not slip down on the bridge of my nose when I began to sweat. . . Ch. 1 pg. 17

2.Blind by arrogance

The character's private thoughts are revealed.

1."I couldn't understand most of what he was talking about, but I didn't want to be disrespectful and turn away, so I kept my head turned toward him." Ch. 2 pg. 39

1.Respectful, Attentive

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to come. For example, Danny and Reuven both teach each other many Jewish lessons. They both many not know what the other is talking about, but they both still listen to each other and respect each other in their ways of enrichment for each other.

Reuven barely knows Dannys father, but was brought up well and knows that any adult must be respected in all ways.
2. "...my father always worked with the desk lamp on, the yellow light bathing the desk and the floor around it. He sat there now, wearing his small, black..." Ch. 5 Pg. 98 2. Potok is showing readers that Reuven is a very visual person. Potok also implies that Reuven is a visual learner. Sometimes the first judges of people arent everything, but Reuven has this first instinct that is sometimes correct. For example, Reuven knew that the baseball team Danny played for were good, but he didnt think they were murderers. Reuven learned that the baseball team Danny played for were not murderers, but were actually friendly people whom cared dearly about the health of others. Reuven isnt the type of person who lets things pass him by; he studies them and learns from them. 3. The author reveals Reuvens real feelings about Reb Saunders action to stop him and Danny from talking to each other. Danny, Reuven, and Mr. Malter have a great relationship which is great for a father and son to have. Reuven realizes that Danny and Reb Saunders dont talk to each other very much so when Reuven gets into that environment with them, he

2. Observant

3. "I hated the silence between us...I never knew myself capable of the...with passion" Ch. 14 Pg. 235

3. Curious, Scared

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knows that something is different but he cannot change it. When Reuven is able to talk to his father almost all the time then gets around Danny whom barely ever hears his fathers voice, he just doesn't understand it at all. While Reuven is wise in making good choices, he knows that there is always a down side to what the right side is. Reuven is observant, while he is also judgmental to the things he first sees. These traits can foreshadow that Reuven has many more experiences to come with Danny and Reb Saunders or that him and his own father may become like the Saunders family. 1. David Malter (Reuvens father) gives Reuven advice about life all throughout the novel. Reuven can choose to use this advice or ignore it. When Danny came to visit Reuven, Reuven intentionally is rude to Danny and doesnt care much about how Danny feels. Since Danny has an opposed opinion about Hasidic Jews, when talking to Danny this negative feeling against them comes out through his voice. It is important to know this because Reuven changes his ways throughout the novel. 2. Many people dont realize the actually meaning of life until they have an epiphany which helps them understand. Reuven had his epiphany when he realized that he needed Danny in his life for him to continue on. Without talking to Danny Reuven is a terrible mess and Dannys Hasidic life actually completes Reuven. So readers

The author shows what the character does--how he/she acts.

1. If a person comes to apologize for having hurt you, you must listen and forgive them. Ch. 3 pg. 68

1.Hostile

2. "A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant." Ch.13 Pg.217

2. Care-less

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understand that everyone is a puzzle that is missing one piece, when they find that one piece they find lifetime happiness. 3. "Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things." Ch.13 Pg. 219 3. Mr. Malter and Reuven share a lot of person things with each other. Reuven wants to become a rabbi and as people know, to become a rabbi one must be the son of one. Reuven is the son of a rabbi, but the son of a philosopher. Since Mr. Malter and Reuven can talk about this, readers can tell that they have a strong relationship with each other which reflects on both of their lives.

3. Joyful, Determined, and Great-Thinker

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION N/A The author actually states what kind of person the character is: sneaky, honest, innocent, etc. N/A N/A