The document discusses direct and indirect characterization in literary works. Direct characterization directly states what a character is like, while indirect characterization requires the reader to infer a character's traits through context clues and their actions. Examples are provided of both direct characterization, such as stating a character is athletic, and indirect characterization, such as inferring a character is athletic based on their love of baseball and skills.

1. CHARACTERIZATION
 Using textual evidence to support claims about
what a character is like
 The textual evidence (aka: lines from the book)
serves as your EVIDENCE (proof)

2. WHAT IS DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION?
• Direct characterization: The author tells you
exactly what kind of person the character is.
• Straightforward, to the point, no inferences
needed
• Ex: The boy is athletic
• Ex: She is absolutely fearless and never backs
down from challenges

3. WHAT IS INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION?
• Indirect characterization: The reader must make
an INFERENCE about what the character is like.
• Using context clues, we make our best guess at
characterization.
Ex: Kevin loves to play baseball. He recently earned a
scholarship to play 1st base for Mizzou. He
practices everyday and is captain of the team.
Inference: Kevin is athletic.

4. PRACTICE
“Miss Caroline was no more than twenty-one. She
had bright auburn hair, pink cheeks, and wore
crimson fingernail polish.”
“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got
his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed
and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football
were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious of
his injury. He couldn’t have cared less as long as
he could pass and punt.”