Characterization

Do NOW:Write down a few words to describe what the person on the screen is wearing.

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How are we going to get there?

Defining Characterization Direct Characterization (narrative description) Indirect Characterization (action, dialogue, thoughts)

Think – Pair – Share Read “Tia Chucha” by Luis RodriguezClosing

Today’s Goal: I should understand how to describe and identify elements of characterization in a text: action, dialogue, thoughts, narrative description.

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What is Characterization?

Characterization – The process of telling a reader information about characters in a story through vivid descriptions of their actions, speech, and thoughts.

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TWO TYPES - Think of Show and TellDirect Characterization (Tell)

The author literally (actually) tells the reader what the character is like. This can be done using a narrator or by the character him/herself.

Indirect Characterization (Show)The reader must figure out for him/herself what the

character is like through thoughts, actions, speech (choice of words, way of talking, etc.), looks and interactions, including other characters’ reactions.

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Direct Characterization - Tell

Narrative DescriptionThe author narrates (or tells) to the reader

about the character.

Example:Marty is a student at Burton Tech High

School who loves studying English.

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Direct Characterization – con’t

What are some of the words you used to describe this character?

Q. Do we really know

everything about

this guy from one picture?6

Indirect Characterization

A. Of Course Not!

Authors don’t always directly tell you everything about the character. Sometimes, they show you what the character is like through his or her actions, thoughts, and dialogue (or conversations).

This is called Indirect Characterization

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Indirect Characterization – Con’t

Characterization by ActionThe man ran into the burning building to save the

puppy.

Characterization by ThoughtShe thought about why she wanted to graduate

and remembered how much her grandmother wanted to see her receive her diploma.

Characterization by DialogueBill said “I really like Sally, she’s always willing to

help us work through our math homework.”8

Indirect Characterization – con’t

Example: Marty decided to sit in the front of the classroom for his first day of English class at Burton Tech High School. When the teacher asked a question about characterization, he thought for a moment and raised his hand with pride. Marty knew the answer to the teacher’s question. “Thank you, Marty, you are correct” said Ms. Mello.

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Compare the Original Examples

Marty is a student at Burton Tech High School who loves studying English. (Direct)

Marty decided to sit in the front of the classroom for his first day of English class at Burton Tech High School. When the teacher asked a question about characterization, he thought for a moment and raised his hand with pride. Marty knew the answer to the teacher’s question. “Thank you, Marty, you are correct” said Ms. Mello. (Indirect)

What do both of these things tell you about Marty?

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Compare the Examples

Both examples tell you Marty Likes English! The first example directly tells you. The second example shows you, by painting a picture.

Authors use both direct and indirect characterization to tell the reader about the character for different reasons.

Direct Characterization (narrative) - faster, easier, reader understands the information quickly

Indirect Characterization (action, thoughts, dialogue) – takes longer, reader discovers the personality of the character over time.

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Think - Pair - Share

By yourself: think for two minutes about these examples: Jim is a really happy person. Tamara eagerly volunteered to jump out of the plane first.

Skydiving was a new adventure! Caesar thought about the consequences skipping class. It didn’t

take long for him to realize it was a bad idea. Sarah turned to Ryan and said, “You are always so polite. I saw

you helping the old woman cross the street.” Ryan said, “Thanks!”

Are these direct (narrative) or indirect characterizations? If they’re Indirect Characterizations, are they based on actions, thoughts, or dialogue?

In Pairs: discuss for 3 minutes your answers and why you came up with that answer

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Conclusion

Direct Characterization (Directly Telling You)The author literally (actually) tells the reader what the character

is like. This can be done using a narrator or by the character him/herself.

Indirect Characterization (Showing you through. . . )The reader must figure out for him/herself what the character is

like through thoughts, actions, speech (choice of words, way of talking, etc.), looks and interactions, including other characters’ reactions.

Authors use both techniques for different reasons!

Questions?13

Tía Chucha, by Luis Rodriguez

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