Characterization

Characterization

The way a writer reveals character is called characterization.

Poor characterization can make a character uninteresting, because that character may lack focus and clarity.

Characterization

Good characterization creates a clear picture in the reader’s mind.

Dressed in a colorful blue and yellow costume, the matador prepared his satin cape for the charging bull.

Dressed in a colorful blue and yellow costume, the matador prepared his satin cape for the charging bull.

Characterization

Good characterization can make readers feel that even fantasy characters live and breathe.

The majestic white unicorn looked unsure of her next step. She had escaped from her brutal master at the castle, but where should she go now?

Characterization

Tommy McSweeney really hated being the tallest boy in the eighth grade. Everyone assumed he was a good basketball player, but he had no athletic interest or skill.

Instead, his talent emerged far from a court or ball field. No one beyond Tommy’s family knew that the pale, muscular kid with curly hair and freckles was a classical pianist—and Tommy intended to keep it that way.

Quick Check Which words create characterization to clarify your image of Tommy?

Role of the Narrator

3Reader

1Story

Characters

Setting

Events

CommunicationBarrier

2Narrator

Narrative

Methods of Characterization

Authors give their readers pieces of puzzles to solve their character’s identity

Definitions

Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters.

There are two types of characterization:

direct characterization and

indirect characterization.

Direct Characterization

Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is.

Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.”

The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind.

Characterization: Direct Characterization

Read the following passage. Which words directly show you Amaya’s qualities?

When Amaya brought home a pet rabbit, her mother did not object. She knew Amaya was a caring, responsible girl who would take excellent care of the animal.

When Amaya brought home a pet rabbit, her mother did not object. She knew Amaya was a caring, responsible girl who would take excellent care of the animal.

Direct characterization gives you exact information.

Characterization: Direct Characterization

Dr. Chang was the best dentist in the practice. He had a charming smile, a gentle manner, and a warm personality. He made a trip to the dentist a pleasant experience—despite the discomfort.

Quick Check What words give you direct information about Dr. Chang’s character?

Indirect Characterization

Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character.

There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

What do the character’s SPEECH and tone reveal about his personality?

“Harry, show your talents,” barked the impatient instructor. “Don’t hold back this time!”

The instructor pushes his students to work to the best of their ability.

Read the following passage, paying attention to the character’s THOUGHTS and feelings.

Frank insisted that he wasn’t tired or hungry, but really he was both. The long plane trip, with two delays, had left his patience in shreds. However, he didn’t want Aunt Judy to go to any trouble.

What kind of person do you think Frank is? How do you know?

Frank insisted that he wasn’t tired or hungry, but really he was both. The long plane trip, with two delays, had left his patience in shreds. However, he didn’t want Aunt Judy to go to any trouble.

Frank seems caring and considerate of others.

What does the conversation suggest about each character’s personality?

Michael hugged Annie before he got out of the car. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said.

She laughed and replied, “You always say that, and you never do!”

He smiled. “Okay, I’ll e-mail, then.”

“You’d better!” Annie grinned, but her eyes were sad.

Read the following passage, paying attention to the characters’ EFFECT ON OTHERS, in particular words and how they’re said.

Michael hugged Annie before he got out of the car. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said.

She smiled and replied, “You always say that, and you never do!”

He laughed. “Okay, I’ll e-mail, then.”

“You’d better!” Annie grinned, but her eyes were sad.

Michael is friendly but unreliable. Annie is unsure about her feelings for Michael.

What do Karisti’s ACTIONS imply about her character?

It was a cold October day when Karisti’s alarm buzzed at 6:00 a.m. She pulled on her clothes and headed for the door. She carefully adjusted her headphones; then she pulled the sleeves of her turtleneck over her hands to keep out the cold. Here goes 10 miles she thought as she began her run. I have to be ready for the spring marathon.

It was a cold October day when Karisti’s alarm buzzed at 6:00 a.m. She pulled on her clothes and headed for the door. She carefully adjusted her headphones; then she pulled the sleeves of her turtleneck over her hands to keep out the cold. Here goes 10 miles, she thought as she began her run. I have to be ready for the spring marathon.

Karisti is getting up early to run on a cold morning as she prepares for a marathon. She’s probably a dedicated athlete.

The man seated in the parked limousine had short hair, piercing eyes, and a serious gaze. He was dressed neatly in a starched white shirt and striped tie.

Read the following text. What might this character’s LOOKS say about his personality?

The man seated in the parked limousine had short hair, piercing eyes, and a serious gaze. He was dressed neatly in a starched white shirt and striped tie.

Based on the man’s appearance, you might conclude that he is a serious, focused businessman.

Characterization: Indirect Characterization

The girl in the fancy dress and high-heeled shoes squirmed uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench. Her eyes, lips, and hands were clenched. Her head drooped and her chin hung low. A tear slid down her face.

How does this girl feel? What details suggest this feeling?

The girl in the fancy dress and high-heeled shoes squirmed uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench. Her eyes, lips, and hands were clenched. Her head drooped and her chin hung low. A tear slid down her face.

Read the following passage, paying attention to the character’s appearance.

She feels sad.

Still do not get indirect characterization?

Here are some more examples…

Indirect Characterization

Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak?

Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!”

This shows us the character is upbeat

and happy.

Speech and Behavior

The character is revealed through his or her own speech and actions.

Examples: Joe reacted quickly and jumped into the

river to save his little brother. He grabbed the man and yelled, “give me

your money!”

Indirect Characterization

Thoughts - What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings?

Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside!

This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Inner Thoughts and Feelings

The character is revealed through private thoughts.

Examples: Allison knew she should have given

money to the homeless man, and felt very bad about it.

Kim felt impatient with her sister for being late.

Indirect Characterization

Effect on Others - What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert.

This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Other’s Opinion and ReactionsThe writer reveals what other characters

in the story say or think about the character.

Examples: “The new girl in school seems very nice,

” said Jessica happily. “Nathan is awesome at soccer,”

remarked the fan, “he made two goals during the game.”

Indirect Characterization

Actions - What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage.

This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

Indirect Characterization

Looks - What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face.

This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

Physical Traits and Characteristics

The writer describes how the character looks, dresses, and appears.

Examples: He was a tall boy with blonde hair and brown

eyes. The woman was wearing a beautiful blue gown

with a pearl necklace. His eyes were as cold as stone.

Quick review…

The Difference

Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING vs. SHOWING!

Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

Examples…

Characterization: Indirect Characterization

Which three methods of indirect characterization appear in this passage?

Quick Check

I’m tired of being ignored, Maura thought. When I walk into a room, it’s like no one sees me. No more—I’m going to get noticed at the dance.

When the big night came, though, nothing went right. Maura’s dress didn’t fit correctly, and her shawl had a hole in it. Worst of all, as she walked into the gym, the heel broke on her right shoe, sending her sprawling across the floor.

Paragraph Pair 1:A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

Paragraph Pair 2:A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Explanation

In both instances, Paragraph A illustrates an example of direct characterization (telling) while Paragraph B provides an example of indirect characterization (showing). While one might argue with the quality of each paragraph (or Julie’s fashion sense), the direct characterization examples are shorter, leaving less imagination to the reader, while still getting the same basic information across. Which is most appropriate depends on the needs and concerns of the writer.