How Do Writers Reveal Character?

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How Do Writers Reveal Character?
Feature Menu
Character Traits and Characterization Character
Traits Characterization Elements of
Characterization Your Turn
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Character Traits
Whats your best friend like?
funny?
Is she . . .
patient?
outgoing?
thoughtful?
Is he . . .
curious?
shy?
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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?
Hi! Im funny, patient, and outgoing!
Did she tell you?
Or did she show you?
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Characterization
In a story, the process of revealing a
characters traits is called characterization.
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.
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Characterization
Indirect characterization is more like the way we
find out about people in real life.
In real life, people dont wear T-shirts that
tell what theyre like
shy
great sense of humor
mean
friendly
snobby
though that might make life a lot easier!
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Characterization
This writer uses direct characterization to tell
you exactly what the character is like.
Carmela is funny, honest, and kinda 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 Carmelas character traits
for you.
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Characterization
Most writers use indirect characterization. They
want you to observe the characters and figure
them out.
Carmela 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
Carmela was around.
This writer shows you what Carmela is like.
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Character Traits and Characterization
Quick Check
Is this an example of direct characterization, or
is it indirect characterization?
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
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Character Traits and Characterization
Quick Check
Is this an example of direct characterization, or
is it indirect characterization?
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.
The writer shows what Tony is like. Its indirect
characterization.
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Elements of Characterization
How does a writer show what a character is like?
appearance
action
speech
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Elements of Characterization
How does a writer show what a character is like?
thoughts and feelings
other characters reactions
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Elements of Characterization
Appearance is often your first clue to character.
The new boy slouched against the lockers, his
brown eyes blazing at Mr. Martinez. He was tall
and thin, with neatly combed hair. His crisp
white shirt was tucked into slacks that were just
a little too short, showing black socks. His
shoes were scuffed brown leatherbut showed signs
of a recent polishing.
What can you guess about this character based on
his appearance?
What can you guess about the new boy based on
his appearance?
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Elements of Characterization
Action is 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
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Elements of Characterization
Listen to how a character talks. Her speech will
tell you what shes likeindirectly.
I dont have to do what you say! screamed
Darlene as she kicked the new baby sitter in the
shins.
Is Darlene . . .
timid?
aggressive?
or
stubborn?
easygoing?
or
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Elements of Characterization
In real life, you cant read another persons
mind.
When Kevin cut his hand in art class, it looked
so gross. He shouldnt have been playing around
like that. For one thing, he ruined my appetite
for a week!
Kerris pups were cute, but I didnt like their
muddy paws. I didnt want to hurt Kerris
feelings, so I just smiled and didnt say
anything. I guess Im more of a cat person.
However, in a story you can find out a
characters thoughts and feelings.
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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?
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Elements of Characterization
Other characters reactions to a character can be
helpful.
How do others act toward the character? What do
they say?
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Elements of Characterization
Just as in real life, you have to consider the
source. Can you trust another characters
reactions?
Yeah, right.
If a character is insulting to everyone, her
comments probably tell you more about her than
the others.
End of Section
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Elements of Characterization
Quick Check
Which elements of characterization are used?
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, its 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 didnt take back his words.

• Appearance
• Actions
• Speech
• Thoughts and feelings
• Others reactions

End of Section
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Elements of Characterization
Quick Check
Which elements of characterization are used?
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, its 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 didnt take back his words.
All are used except appearance.
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Analyze Characters

1. Explain the difference between direct and
   indirect characterization.

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Analyze Characters

• 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 revealed each characteristic.
  Use a graphic like the one on the next slide.

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Analyze Characters

name of character
character trait
example of how writer revealed the trait
End of Section
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The End