Character
Character = a person or
animal in a literary work
Characterization
The way the
writer creates
or reveals the
characters in a
literary work.
Direct Characterization
The writer simply says
what the character
is like.
For example, “Miss Alice
was the nicest person
you would ever want
to meet.”
Indirect
Characterization
The writer presents the
character’s personality
through the character’s
words, actions, feelings,
and thoughts, along with
how other they interact
with other characters.
You must then draw your
own conclusions about the
character.
Indirect
Characterization
Indirect characterization
is the most similar to the
way we learn about people
in real life.
Methods of
Characterization
creating believable characters…
INDIRECT
DIRECT
-physical appearance
-the narrator’s direct
comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings,
or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
(A) James was constantly angry.
He looked for trouble wherever
he went, and he usually found it.
Description A is an
example of direct
characterization.
The writer comes right out and
tells you that James was
always angry and that he was
looking for a fight almost
constantly.
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
Stanley’s eyes blazed as he
surveyed the room. The
corners of his mouth pointed
in a decidedly southerly
direction. Carol moved aside
as he stalked past her.
“Look out for Stan,” she
whispered to Bart. “He’s in
another one of his moods. I’d
stay far away if I were you!”
Description B is an
example of indirect
characterization.
We can tell from his angry eyes,
frowning mouth and the way he
walked that he is angry.
We can also see that others are
somewhat frightened of him by
observing their reactions. Carol
moves aside and warns Bart to
avoid Stanley.
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
When she was 17, Linda
dropped out of high school
and married a 39-year-old
painter.
Example of Direct or
Indirect Characterization?
Indirect
Linda is independent,
headstrong, and reckless.
She doesn’t do what people
expect.
Which method is
more effective in
developing the
character?
Why do you think
so?
Methods of
Characterization
creating believable characters…
INDIRECT
DIRECT
-physical appearance
-the narrator’s direct
comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings,
or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters