Short Stories: Characterization

Characterization

Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality traits of a
character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect
characterization.

Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is (his or her trait).

• Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There
are five different methods of indirect characterization:

Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?
Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
Effect on others: What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters
          feel or behave in reaction to the character?
Actions: What does the character do? How does the character behave?
Looks: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?(from Read, Write, Think)

Class Outline: Wednesday

1. Silent Reading and ISU work
2. Direct and Indirect Characterization Handout "Mirror Image"
3. Work on ISU creative response