5 METHODS OF CHARACTERIZATION: EXAMINING CHARACTERS IN STORIES

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5 METHODS OF CHARACTERIZATIONEXAMINING
CHARACTERS IN STORIES GETTING TO KNOW THEM
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1 PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
WHAT DOES THE CHARACTER(S) LOOK LIKE? USE
SPECIFIC DETAILS PROVIDED IN TEXT
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2 WHAT DOES THE CHARACTER THINK?
THE THOUGHTS OF THE CHARACTER HELP US TO GET TO
KNOW HIM OR HER
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3 WHAT THE CHARACTER SAYS AND DOES
EXAMINE AND BE ABLE TO DESCRIBE THE CHARACTERS
ACTIONS AS WELL AS WHAT IS SAID
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4 WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT THE CHARACTER
OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE STORY WILL GIVE US CLUES
ABOUT THE MAIN CHARACTER(S). LOOK FOR THEM.
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5 WHAT THE AUTHOR THINKS ABOUT THE CHARACTER
DONT DIG TOO DEEPLY FOR THIS ONE. IF THE AUTHOR
PRESENTS A CHARACTER WHO LIES -- THE AUTHOR SEES
THAT CHARACTER AS A LIAR
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• Two larger categories of characterization are
• Direct Indirect
• Characterization

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Direct Characterization

• The author comes out and tells you directly.
• Example
• She was a pleasant woman with red cheeks and a
  gentle smile.
• She is pleasant and gentle.

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Indirect Characerization

• You have to deduce or infer characteristics based
  on statements made, actions taken, or words
  spoken.
• Example
• Her blue eyes twinkled as she shared her love of
  taxidermy with me.
• She is mischievous there is a hidden delight in
  her hobby.