Literary Analysis Characterization

Literary Analysis: Characterization Practice Characterization is the way a writer shows what a character is like. There are two ways in which a writer can reveal a character’s personality:  Direct characterization: The writer tells you exactly what the character is like by listing the character’s personality traits. Example: Steve is loyal and caring.  Indirect characterization: The writer tells you what the character does and says and shows how others react to the character. You must use those clues to figure out what the character is like. Example: When I broke my leg, Steve stopped by my house every day after school to bring my homework and keep me company. A Write Direct next to each item that uses direct characterization. Write Indirect next to each item that uses indirect characterization. 1. Direct Justin is friendly and talkative. He is a good athlete. 2. Indirect Oh, no, Josh thought, I’m terrified to dive off the high board, but if I don’t, everyone will make fun of me. B Below are two examples of indirect characterization. Find clues that show what each character is like. Then, write a sentence that describes each character’s personality. 1. Dan: “If the coach doesn’t start me in the game tomorrow, I’m going to quit the team,” said Dan. “I’m the best pitcher we have, but I get to pitch only once a week. The coach says that is the rule of the league, but who cares about the rules? I deserve to play, and he’d better let me—or else.” What Dan is like: stubborn because he does not want to follow the rules 2. Sophie: Whenever Sophie had an idea during a club meeting, she kept quiet about it. She told herself that it was a stupid idea and no one would go along with it. Then, minutes later, everyone would cheer when someone else came up with the same idea Sophie had decided not to mention. What Sophie is like: shy because she does not want to get mad fun of by the other kids. Literary Analysis: Characterization Assess A Write Direct next to each item that uses direct characterization. Write Indirect next to each item that uses indirect characterization. Direct 1. “Come on, everyone, don’t give up,” Chris said. “I know we can still win this game if we stay focused and do our best.” 2. Indirect Kelly pushed her way to the front of the cafeteria line, ignoring all the dirty looks and complaints of the people who had been there before her. 3. Direct Samantha was the smartest student in the school, but she was never conceited about it. She was modest, responsible, and helpful. 4. 5. Direct Mike can occasionally be impatient and shorttempered, but once this mood passes, he’s very charming. Direct I’ll never forgive Julie for hurting my feelings, Kim thought. Even if she didn’t mean to, it’s still unforgivable. B Below are two examples of indirect characterization. In each example, find clues that show what the character is like. Then, write a sentence that describes the character’s personality. 1. Mr. Smith: Every morning, Mr. Smith left his house at exactly 7:15 and took the 7:20 bus to work. When he got downtown, he always bought a bran muffin and a small cup of coffee at the same diner. If the bus happened to be late or the store ran out of bran muffins, he almost had a panic attack. What Mr. Smith is like: organized because he has a schedule and will go crazy if something goes wrong. 2. Ryan: “Sure, you can borrow my game for the weekend,” said Ryan. “No problem. Actually, you can keep it if you want because I don’t really play it much any more.” What Ryan is like: kind because he let someone have his game he doesn't play it.