Character Traits and Characterization

Character Traits

Characterization

Elements of Characterization

Your Turn

How Do Writers Reveal Character?

Feature Menu

Character Traits

What’s your best friend like?

Is she . . .

Is he . . .

funny?

patient?

outgoing?

shy?

curious?

thoughtful?

Now, how did you find out that your friend is funny, patient, and outgoing?

The words you use to describe your friend are his or her character traits.

Character Traits

Did she tell you?

Or did she show you?

“Hi! I’m funny, patient, and outgoing!”

Writers who tell you what a character is like are using direct characterization.

Characterization

In a story, the process of revealing a character’s traits is called characterization.

Writers who show you what a character is like are using indirect characterization.

Characterization

Indirect characterization is more like the way we find out about people in real life.

great sense

of humor

snobby

though that might make life a lot easier!

friendly

shy

mean

In real life, people don’t wear T-shirts that tell what they’re like—

This writer uses direct characterization to tell you exactly what the character is like.

Carmela is funny, honest, and kind—a rare combination at her school. She has a smile that makes people trust her right away, and she never lets anyone down.

The writer even lists Carmela’s character traits for you.

Characterization

Most writers use indirect characterization. They want you to observe the characters and figure them out.

This writer shows you what Carmela is like.

Carmela found the new girl and asked her to kick the ball around and get warmed up. Soon, other players asked to join in. The coach smiled. Everyone seemed to work a little harder when Carmela was around.

Characterization

Is this an example of direct characterization, or is it indirect characterization?

Character Traits and Characterization

Quick Check

Tony stared down at the slip of paper in his hand. Several times he picked up the phone, then set it down again. Finally he dialed the number, then waited while it rang and rang. He was clearing his throat just as someone picked up on the other end. “Is Kendra there?” Tony blurted without a hello.

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How does a writer show what a character is like?

action speech

appearance

Elements of Characterization

How does a writer show what a character is like?

thoughts and feelings

other characters’

reactions

Elements of Characterization

What can you guess about this character based on his appearance?

Appearance is often your first clue to character.

The new boy slouched against the lockers, his brown eyes blazing at Mr. Martinez. He was tall and thin, with neatly combed hair. His crisp white shirt was tucked into slacks that were just a little too short, showing black socks. His shoes were scuffed brown leather—but showed signs of a recent polishing.

What can you guess about “the new boy” based on his appearance?

Elements of Characterization

Action is another clue to character. What does the character do?

Which of these words would you use to describe Luis as a character? (You may pick more than one.)

Luis danced into the kitchen, singing along with the song on the radio. He paused just long enough to give his mother a loud kiss on the cheek, then danced out the door.

shy depressed affectionate cheerful

Elements of Characterization

Listen to how a character talks. Her speech will tell you what she’s like—indirectly.

Is Darlene . . .

“I don’t have to do what you say!” screamed Darlene as she kicked the new baby sitter in the shins.

timid?

stubborn? easygoing?

aggressive?or

or

Elements of Characterization

When Kevin cut his hand in art class, it looked so gross. He shouldn’t have been playing around like that. For one thing, he ruined my appetite for a week!

Kerri’s pups were cute, but I didn’t like their muddy paws. I didn’t want to hurt Kerri’s feelings, so I just smiled and didn’t say anything. I guess I’m more of a cat person.

In real life, you can’t read another person’s mind.

However, in a story you can find out a character’s thoughts and feelings.

Elements of Characterization

Thoughts and feelings can show you how a character reacts to certain types of situations.

How would Julie react if she saw other children teasing an animal?

Julie wanted to cry when she saw the stray cat. Its ribs were showing. She desperately wanted to add it to her well-fed tribe of cats at home.

Elements of Characterization

Other characters’ reactions to a character can be helpful.

Elements of Characterization

How do others act toward the character? What do they say?

Just as in real life, you have to consider the source. Can you trust another character’s reactions?

If a character is insulting to everyone, her comments probably tell you more about her than the others.

“Yeah, right.”

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Elements of Characterization

Which elements of characterization are used?

Quick Check

Jackson spent the first day of summer vacation in his room reading comic books. Several times, when his little brother stopped by and asked if he wanted to play a game or go to the park, Jackson said no.

“But Jackson, it’s the FIRST DAY of vacation,” Devon whined. “How can you sit in here and read?!!”

“Listen, squirt, quit bugging me!” Jackson felt a twinge of guilt, but he didn’t take back his words.

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• Appearance• Actions• Speech• Thoughts and

feelings• Others’ reactions

Elements of Characterization

Your Turn

Analyze Characters

1. Explain the difference between direct and indirect characterization.

Your Turn

Analyze Characters

1. Explain the difference between direct and indirect characterization.

2. Think of a favorite character from a story or novel. Write down two or three words that describe the character. Then, provide an example of how the writer revealed each characteristic.

Use a graphic like the one on the next slide.

Your Turn

Analyze Characters

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character trait

example of how writer revealed the trait

name of character

The End