Character Lesson

Direct Characterization involves the writer

• making explicit statements about a character's personality

• telling the reader or viewer what the character is like

• revealing details about a character without stating them explicitly

• showing character traits through his/her actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how other characters react to them

Indirect Characterization involves the writer

• making explicit statements about a character's personality

• telling the reader or viewer what the character is like

• revealing details about a character without stating them explicitly.

• showing character traits through his/her actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how other characters react to them

Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

• Marcia was a good listener and wonderful friend.

• Marcia felt the knot in her stomach grow when she saw the number of questions on the test, and she tugged her hair anxiously. 

• Marcia was a nervous person.

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

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• He tapped his foot anxiously.

• Frank was a shy, quiet person.

• "I wouldn't  trust that man," said Ma.

• Every time he earned a high grade, he would hang the test on his wall.

Reorder the following according to where they fit the acronym that helps us identify indirect characterization:

• Thinks

• Says

• Acts

• Looks

• Effects on others

What can you infer about this character through indirect characterization? Whenever anyone tries to speak to Diana, she says, "You don't know me," rolls her eyes, and walks away.

• Dee has a difficult home life

• Dee is rude and thinks she is better than everyone else.

• Dee has eye problems.

• Dee has a lot of friends.

The main character in a story is the...

• Antagonist

• Only character

• Protagonist

• Most popular character

The character, thing, or event which is OPPOSING the main character is..

• antagonist

• protagonist

• static character

• villian

What is a foil character?

• The central character

• The character that opposes the central character

• A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight qualities of the other character

• A character who manages to always disrupt the plans of the protagonist.

Match the following

• Simba & Nala

• Not Foil

• Romeo & Mercutio

• Foil

• Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy

• Foil

• Lightning McQueen & Jackson Storm

• Foil

• Katniss & Peeta

• Not Foil