This document discusses characterization in stories. It defines characterization as the process writers use to reveal a character's traits. There are two main methods: direct characterization tells the reader what a character is like, while indirect characterization shows the reader through a character's actions, speech, thoughts, and how others react to them. The document provides examples of both direct and indirect characterization and examines the different elements writers can use like appearance, actions, speech, thoughts and feelings to indirectly characterize their characters.

1. What Is Characterization?
Feature Menu
Character Traits and Characterization
Character Traits
Characterization
Elements of Characterization
Your Turn

2. Character Traits
What’s your best friend like?
Is she . . .
Is he . . .
funny?
patient?
outgoing?
thoughtful?
curious?
shy?

3. Character Traits
The words you use to describe your friend are
his or her character traits.
Now, how did you find out
that your friend is funny,
patient, and outgoing?
Did she tell you?
“Hi! I’m funny,
patient, and
outgoing!”
Or did she show you?

4. Characterization
In a story, the process of revealing a character’s
traits is called characterization.
Writers use two methods to delineate, or carefully
describe, their characters.
Writers who tell
you what a
character is like are
using direct
characterization.
Writers who show
you what a
character is like are
using indirect
characterization.

5. Characterization
This writer uses direct characterization to tell
you exactly what the character is like.
Sally 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 Sally’s
character traits for you.

6. Characterization
Most writers use indirect characterization. They
want you to observe the characters and decide for
yourself what they are like.
Sally 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 Sally was around.
This writer shows you what Sally
is like.

7. 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—

8. Characterization
Is this an example
of direct
characterization,
or is it indirect
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.
[End of Section]

10. Elements of Characterization
How does a writer show what a character is like?
appearance
actions speech

11. Elements of Characterization
How does a writer show what a character is like?
thoughts and
feelings
other
characters’
reactions

12. Elements of Characterization
Appearance is often your first clue to character.
The new boy slouched against the lockers, his
brown eyes blazing What at Mr. can Martinez. you guess He about
was
tall and thin, with this neatly character combed based hair. on His
his
crisp white shirt was appearance?
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 this description of his appearance?

13. Elements of Characterization
Actions give us another clue to character. What
does the character do?
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.
Which of these words would you use to describe
Luis as a character? (You may pick more than one.)
shy depressed affectionate cheerful

14. Elements of Characterization
Listen to how a character talks. Her speech will tell
you what she’s like—indirectly.
“I don’t have to do what you
say!” screamed Darlene as she
kicked the new baby sitter in
the shins.
Is Darlene . . .
timid?
stubborn? easygoing?
or aggressive?
or

15. Elements of Characterization
In real life, you can’t read another person’s mind.
Kerri’s When Kevin pups were cut his
cute,
hand but I didn’t in art class, like their
it
muddy looked so paws. gross. I didn’t
He
want shouldn’t to hurt have Kerri’s
been
feelings, playing around so I just
like
smiled that. For and one didn’t thing, say
he
anything. ruined my I appetite guess I’m
for
more a week!
of a cat person.
However, in a story you can find out a character’s
thoughts and feelings.

16. Elements of Characterization
Thoughts and feelings can show you how a
character reacts to certain types of situations.
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.
How would Julie react if she
saw other children teasing
an animal?

17. Elements of Characterization
Other characters’ reactions to a character can
be helpful.
How do others act toward the character? What do
they say?

18. Elements of Characterization
Just as in real life, you have to consider the source.
Can you trust another character’s reactions?
“Yeah,
right.”
If a character is insulting
to everyone, her
comments probably tell
you more about her than
the others.
[End of Section]

19. 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.
• Appearance
• Actions
• Speech
• Thoughts and
feelings
• Others’ reactions
[End of Section]

20. Your Turn
Analyze Characterization
1. Explain the difference between direct and indirect
characterization.

21. Your Turn
Analyze Characterization
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 reveals each characteristic.
You might want to use a graphic like the one on the
next slide.

22. Your Turn
Analyze Characterization
character
trait
example of
how writer
revealed
the trait
[End of Section]
name of
character

23. The End