Characterization

Characterization

Characterization is the process
by which the writer reveals the
personality of a character.

Think about it

What do you think the
difference is between Direct
and Indirect characterization?

Direct
Characterization

When the author explicitly
TELLS us what we need to know
about the character.

This is the easiest of the two types to understand.

Example

"The patient swordsman
and the wise wizard were
both talented and did not
like to lose."

Explanation: The author is directly
telling the audience the personality of
these two characters. The swordsman
is "patient," and the wizard is "wise."
They are telling us, not showing us.

Indirect
Characterization

When the author reveals things
about the character’s
personality by showing us.

There are five different methods of indirect
characterization known as S.T.E.A.L.

Speech

1.

What does the character say?
How does the character
speak?

Example: The young prince fell to one
knee before the maiden and announced,
"My beloved, I will have thee; live with me
and be my love."

2. Thoughts

What is revealed through the
character's private thoughts
and feelings?

Example: “This cannot be my life. I have to find
a way out,” the jester thought as he performed
in front of the town square.

3. Effect on others

What is revealed through the
character's effect on other
people? How do others feel,
behave, or respond to the
character?

Example: The townspeople gave a collective
groan as the king's trumpeter interrupted
their sleep to alert them to another one of the
king's new decrees.

4. Actions

What does the character do?
How does the character
behave?

Example:
Epsilon the Courageous had finally made it
through the ranks to lead general; it was
only a matter of time before he would be
able to execute his plan.

5. Looks

What does the character
look like? How does the
character dress?

Explanation: The burly welder’s
arms were the size for four men,
and his hair was spun tightly like a
spring.

Tip for indirect
characterization

Use the mnemonic device of
S.T.E.A.L. to remember the five
types of indirect
characterization

S
T
E
A
L

Speech

Thoughts

Effect on others

Actions

Looks