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Characterization

Characterization is the method by which an author reveals character personalities, categorized into direct and indirect forms. Direct characterization explicitly tells the audience about a character's traits, while indirect characterization uses methods such as speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks to show personality. Understanding these techniques is essential for analyzing characters and developing a thesis based on subject, opinion, and evidence.

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59 views14 pages

Characterization

Characterization is the method by which an author reveals character personalities, categorized into direct and indirect forms. Direct characterization explicitly tells the audience about a character's traits, while indirect characterization uses methods such as speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks to show personality. Understanding these techniques is essential for analyzing characters and developing a thesis based on subject, opinion, and evidence.

Uploaded by

fortunetellerintl
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Characterizati

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

There are two types of characterization:


direct and indirect.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Difference
Remember, the difference between
direct characterization and indirect
characterization is TELLING rather
than 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!
Thesis
 You need to know the SUBJECT.
 Your OPINION on the subject.
 You need supporting evidence.
 THREE THINGS:
 Subject
 Opinion
 Evidence
SOE YOUR THESIS!!
 S- Subject
 What is the prompt talking about?
O- Opinion
 What is your opinion of the topic?
E- Evidence
 Whatevidence is there in the text to
prove your thesis?
 EX prompt: What kind of character
does the author create in Montrosor?
 Subject: Characterization
 Opinion: Is he crazy? Is he evil?
What is your opinion?
 Evidence: The verbal irony Poe uses,
dark imagery, the symbolism
EXAMPLE
Montrosor is an insane
character in The Cask of
Amontillado, and the author
shows it through the verbal
irony, use of dark imagery,
and symbolism.

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