Analyzing Characters

What character trait is revealed?
After pulling an all-nighter studying, Sarah moved through the dance routine sluggishly.  She was off-beat and missed several moves, but she pushed herself through the routine.

• passionate
• nervous
• tired
• bored

What are character traits?

• physical descriptions
• qualities, such as insecurity or bravery
• places a character has been
• what a character says

What is direct characterization?

• Reactions of other characters give us information we need
• We learn about a character through their physical appearance
• We learn about a character through their thoughts
• An author tells you directly about a character

Indirect Characterization involves...

• Learning about characters through their thoughts and actions
• An author telling us that a character is shy
• An author's comments
• A listing of a character qualities from the author

How is the character's traits revealed?
Marcy sat in class, drumming her fingers on her desk.  Thinking back to that morning, she felt remorse over the way she had talked to her mom.

• actions
• thoughts
• statements
• interactions with other characters

If the author shows you what the character is like and you have to infer, that is

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

• He tapped his foot anxiously.
• "I wouldn't  trust that man," said Ma.
• Frank was a shy, quiet person.
• Every time he earned a high grade, he would hang the test on his wall.

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.

The main or central character of a story

• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Round character
• Flat character

Type of character who opposes the main character.  This character goes against the main character.

• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Dynamic
• Flat