Writers Use Two Basic Techniques for Characterization

1. Writers Use Two Basic Techniques for Characterization • Direct characterization. and • Indirect characterization. So, what is the difference?

2. Direct Characterization Definition: Narrator explicitly/directly describes a character. Ex: Kat was popular, but snobby. Tim was a nice, honest boy. Explicit: Clearly stated.

3. Indirect Characterization Definition: Character traits revealed implicitly through speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and/or looks. Ex: Jess left the pizza crust on her floor. Tim helped old Ms. Jones with her bags. Indirect characterizations are implicit. Implicit: not clearly stated, implied.

4. S.T.E.A.L. • Speech • Thoughts • Effects on other characters • Actions • Looks

5. 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 indirect characterization reveals tous that the character is upbeat and happy.

6. 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 indirect characterization reveals thatthe character is not happy about the situation.

7. 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 her dessert. This indirect characterization shows us that the character (the boy) is mad/upset with his sister.

8. 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. Perhaps she is just vacuous.

9. 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.

10. Practice Analyzing Indirect Characterization • Read the passage. • Write what indirect character trait is shown. • Identify with which letter of STEAL does it relate.

11. Example Mr. Morton was teaching the students about characterizations. Kyle let out a big yawn. “Indirect Characterizations are implied, not explicitly stated,” said Mr. Morton. 1. Kyle is bored or tired. 2. This is an action (A). Explanation: He yawned, which shows he’s tired.

12. 1 After class, Deija asked Dana a question, “I’m sorry, Dana, but I my little brother was sick and my parents made me stay home and watch him yesterday. Can I see your reading notes?” Dana huffed and rolled her eyes. She replied to Deija, “Uh, I don’t know where they are right now.”

13. 2 While playing football with his friends, Evan overthrew the ball and accidently broke his mom’s picture window. Nobody was home, but all of the other boys soon found excuses to leave. When Evan’s mom came home, she asked what had happened. Evan looked her in the face and said, “A bird smashed into the window, Mom.”

14. 3 Tevin was in excruciating pain from football practice. He had been getting terrible sleep ever since training started. He could hardly sleep ten minutes before the pain caused him to roll around. His body was telling him to quit the team, but Tevin refused to hear it. He had one goal in mind: to make the team. Tevin wouldn’t stop until his body stopped him.

15. 4 Tim was walking around the store when he bumped into a display of soup cans, knocking them all over. Tim bought two cartons of eggs then got hit by the automatic door on the way out. It almost broke the eggs. Tim let out a sigh of relief. While walking through the parking lot, Tim tripped over the curb and landed on the eggs, getting them all over his shirt.

16. 5 Kim had a bunch of outfits and accessories. It took her forever to decide which combination might impress Kevin. She called her sister several times for advice. Still, Kim could not decide on the right outfit to wear.