Trait VS. Feeling & Indirect VS. Direct Characterization

“Alisha never cleans up, hates doing work, and always sleeps.” What trait could be used to describe Alisha?

Shy

• Feeling

• Character Trait

Answer explanation

trait

"Bill began to feel his face get red when he saw his score on his math test. All he wanted to do was kick something! This was usually Bill's reaction when he something didn't go his way."

What traits could be used to describe Bill?

• Hostile

• Mad

• Angry

• Agressive

Answer explanation

Mad and Angry are FEELINGS, not traits!

The author may describe what the character looks like or what the character’s personality is like.

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.W.8.3B

Which examples show DIRECT characterization?

• Allen was so excited for his sister Marsha!

• After Marsha won the swimming competition, she danced all around the room!

• Marsha and Allen's parents were thrilled that their little girl had won the competition!

• Marsha took home her trophy and displayed it on the windowsill for all to see.

Answer explanation

"Allen was so excited for his sister Marsha!"

AND

"Marsha and Allen's parents were thrilled that their little girl had won the competition!"

These two are correct because they are the only examples in which the author tells us directly how the characters are feeling! The other two options are indirect characterization.

Direct characterization is...

• the author telling you a character's traits

• the author showing you a character's traits

Which example shows indirect characterization?

• He didn't pass the test so he studied harder.

• Gabriel is positive.

• Marissa is mean to everyone but her sister.

• Rad is obsessed with coffee.

Answer explanation

"He didn't pass the test so he studied harder." is the only option where the author SHOWS what the character is like through actions. The rest of the options, the author directly states what the characters are like.

Indirect characterization is...

• the author telling you a character's traits

• the author showing you a character's traits

Surprised

• Feeling

• Character Trait

Answer explanation

Feeling

Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

• Marcia was a good listener and wonderful friend.

• During the test, Marcia felt the knot in her stomach grow and she tugged her hair anxiously.

• Marcia was a nervous person.

• Marcia was an optimist who always believed the best about people.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.W.6.9A