Martha Lamb

1
Methods of CharacterizationorHow an Author
Makes Characters Come Alive!
2
Characterization
3
A Characters Speech

• If you set your mind on something and keep on
  thinking about it, the idea will eventually come,
  Professor Herbert told us.

• This speech tells us that Professor Herbert
  trusts his students to think for themselves.
• It also shows us that he is an encouraging person.

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4
A Characters Actions

• I worked early of mornings before I went to
  school. I hurried home and worked into the
  night.

• These actions show you that the boy is a hard
  worker.
• It also shows you that he is determined to
  achieve his goal.

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5
A Characters Appearance

• I wore my mothers shoes the first year (in
  school)

• This information about the characters appearance
  shows you that his family doesnt always have
  enough money to buy him new shoes.

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6
A Characters Thoughts

• I was so happy I didnt care who laughed at me,
  what anyone said or who watched me eat fat meat
  on corn bread for my lunch. I had an idea and I
  knew it was a wonderful one.

• These thoughts tell you that this boy is very
  confident about his idea.
• It also shows you that he is not overly concerned
  about what other people think.

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7
What Others Say

• Now this will be some undertakin, Pa said.
  But if you will clear up the south side, Ill
  hire Bob Lavender to do the other side.

• This comment by the boys father tells you that
  he must be a dependable boy.

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8
Direct Comments of Author

• Since this selection, A Ribbon For Baldy by
  Jesse Stuart, is written in 1st person, the
  author cannot make direct comments to tell you
  what the character is like.

• In a third person narrative, such as A Retrieved
  Reformation by O. Henry, the narrator may say
  Young men of Jimmys style and looks were scarce
  in Elmore.

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