Characterization PT. 2

Characterization​

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As the author develops the characters, they give us clues to determine important character traits.​

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Sometimes this information is obvious and the author tells the reader a description with direct characterization

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However, the author also ​gives the reader clues with a character’s thoughts, actions and dialogue with other characters. With indirect characterization the reader must infer the meaning.

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Authors often use direct characterization in the beginning of stories to identify characters.

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​Example:

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Viewers see shrek is a large, green ogre. He does not like people in his swamp. ​

As storys develop, characters change. This is often done through indirect characterization

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1. Speech - what they say

2. Actions - what they do​

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​Strong readers pay attention to indirect characterization to understand relationships & predict what a character will do next.

​Example:

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Shrek's words show that he is miserable and lonely because he believes people will judge him for being lonely. ​

​Please talk with your table group to decide which words are synonyms.

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I recommend you look at the translations in your language. However, they may be the same! Often English has more adjectives than your home language.

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We will discuss why after. ​ Be ready to share what you think.

As you learn more English you cannot always rely on translation.

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Words can have different levels of power​ in English.

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​Which word is stronger in English? Brilliant or Clever?

Which word is the strongest in English - unkind, wicked or cruel?​

​My groups quote was said by __________. This indirect characterization shows that this character is ____________ because ____________.

Practice:

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With your table group you are going to practice analyzing a character's speech. Characterization is often a test question in literature classes.

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