Task 3: Name That Greaser

For each statement identify which character it is referring to:

1. A little dark puppy

2. Big black eyes

3. Cold with a hatred of the whole world

4. Wisecracker

5. Specialty was cars

6. Lively, dancing, recklessly laughing eyes

7. Eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice

Types of Characters

People or animalsMajor charactersMinor charactersRound charactersFlat characters

Characterization

A writer reveals what a character is like and how the character changes throughout the story.

Two primary methods of characterization:Direct- writer tells what the character is likeIndirect- writer shows what a character is like

by describing what the character looks like, by telling what the character says and does, and by what other characters say about and do in response to the character.

Direct Characterization…And I don’t play the dozens or believe

in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I’m a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky.

From “Raymond’s Run” by T. Bambara

Indirect Characterization

The old man bowed to all of us in the room. Then he removed his hat and gloves, slowly and carefully. Chaplin once did that in a picture, in a bank--he was the janitor.

From “Gentleman of Rio en Medio” by J. Sedillo

Elements of Character

Character

Main

Flat

Minor

Not Fully Developed

FriendsRelativesFully

Developed

Protagonist

AntagonistCo-Main

Enemy

Factors in Analyzing Characters

Physical appearance of characterPersonalityBackground/personal historyMotivationRelationshipsConflictDoes character change?

Characterization Activity

1. You will complete The Outsiders Character Chart for each character that is introduced in chapter 1—only those that were mentioned in chapter 1.

2. In the “Gang” section, indicate whether he or she is a “Greaser,” a “Soc,” or neither.

Characterization Activity

• In the “Physical Appearance” section, use textual evidence—quotes—from the book that describe the character (include page numbers).

• In the “Mannerisms/Significant Actions” section, once again use quotes from the book that describe the character (include page numbers).

Writing Assignment

1. Write one paragraph—that’s 8 sentences—that answers the following questions:• Authors use both direct and indirect

characterization to describe characters. Why does an author need to use both? Which does the author primarily use in chapter 1? How did that affect your ability to describe the character?