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Interpreting Character | J-1
COMPREHENSION SKILLS PRACTICE
When
describing a character, an author explains the qualities and traits that distinguish
that character from other characters. Authors can describe character in two ways. They can state
directly if a character is cruel, kind, sad, or joyful. Alternatively, an author can indirectly provide
insight into a character. In this case, the author provides details about a character’s physical traits
and appearance, actions and reactions, or thoughts and opinions. You can use these clues to
interpret a character’s qualities.
When authors use direct characterization, they explicitly tell you the character’s qualities or traits.
When indirect characterization is used, authors show you things about the character that allow
you to interpret the character’s qualities and traits. When you read, pay attention to characters’
actions and reactions. Observe how and why they say things. Notice their relationships and interactions with other characters. These clues will allow you to interpret a character’s purpose and
motivation.
Read the following excerpt from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
Tom did play hookey, and he had a very good time….
While Tom was eating his supper, and stealing sugar as opportunity offered, Aunt Polly
asked him questions that were full of guile, and very deep—for she wanted to trap him
into damaging revealments. Like many other simple-hearted souls, it was her pet vanity
to believe she was endowed with a talent for dark and mysterious diplomacy, and she
loved to contemplate her most transparent devices as marvels of low cunning. Said she:
“Tom, it was middling warm in school, warn’t it?”
“Yes’m.”
“Powerful warm, warn’t it?”
“Yes’m.”
“Didn’t you want to go in a-swimming, Tom?”
A bit of a scare shot through Tom—a touch of uncomfortable suspicion. He searched Aunt
Polly’s face, but it told him nothing. So he said:
“No’m—well, not very much.”
The old lady reached out her hand and felt Tom’s shirt, and said:
“But you ain’t too warm now, though.” And it flattered her to reflect that she had discovered that the shirt was dry without anybody knowing that that was what she had in her
mind. But in spite of her, Tom knew where the wind lay, now. So he forestalled what might
be the next move:
“Some of us pumped on our heads—mine’s damp yet. See?”
Aunt Polly was vexed to think she had overlooked that bit of circumstantial evidence, and
missed a trick. Then she had a new inspiration:
“Tom, you didn’t have to undo your shirt collar where I sewed it, to pump on your head,
did you? Unbutton your jacket!”
The trouble vanished out of Tom’s face. He opened his jacket. His shirt collar was securely
sewed.
Continued
Copyright © 2007 Taylor Associates/Communications, Inc.
ReadingPlus
Taylor Associates
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Interpreting Character | J-1
COMPREHENSION SKILLS PRACTICE
“Bother! Well, go ‘long with you. I’d made sure you’d played hookey and been a-swimming. But I forgive ye, Tom. I reckon you’re a kind of a singed cat, as the saying is—
better’n you look. THIS time.”
She was half sorry her sagacity had miscarried, and half glad that Tom had stumbled into
obedient conduct for once.
In this excerpt, the author indirectly shows you much about the characters of Tom and Aunt Polly.
Tom is obviously mischievous and disobedient (he played hookey and lied about it, and he stole
sugar). Aunt Polly is rightfully suspicious of Tom. She thinks she is clever in trying to catch him in
a lie. Ultimately, Tom is able to convince Aunt Polly that he did nothing wrong and she apologizes
about her doubts.
Read the excerpt from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance that was never lighted by
a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long,
dusty, dreary and yet somehow lovable. At friendly meetings, and when the wine was to
his taste, something eminently human beaconed from his eye; something indeed which
never found its way into his talk, but which spoke not only in these silent symbols of
the after-dinner face, but more often and loudly in the acts of his life. He was austere
with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages; and though
he enjoyed the theater, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years. But he had
an approved tolerance for others; sometimes wondering, almost with envy, at the high
pressure of spirits involved in their misdeeds; and in any extremity inclined to help rather
than to reprove. “I incline to Cain’s heresy,” he used to say quaintly: “I let my brother go
to the devil in his own way.” In this character, it was frequently his fortune to be the last
reputable acquaintance and the last good influence in the lives of downgoing men. And
to such as these, so long as they came about his chambers, he never marked a shade of
change in his demeanor.
In this excerpt you do not have to interpret Mr. Utterson through his interaction with other characters or their reaction to him. The author tells you directly about the character. Mr. Utterson is “long,
lean, dusty, dreary, and yet lovable”. He is “austere with himself” yet “had an approved tolerance
for others.” You know he is a serious, but likable, man.
Copyright © 2007 Taylor Associates/Communications, Inc.
ReadingPlus
Taylor Associates
®
Interpreting Character | J-1
COMPREHENSION SKILLS PRACTICE
Student Name_______________________________________________________________
Read the following excerpts. Then read the line that interprets the character. Circle the correct
answer.
1. Otis Simpson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained the company’s
newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good
set of tools.
Otis Simpson is afraid of new technology.
This statement is a
a. direct characterization.
b. indirect characterization.
2. Jessica held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go
best with her new navy blue shoes that she had bought for her job interview. After 90
minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice,
Jessica reluctantly decided she’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try. She
hoped it would make her look professional.
Jessica is indecisive.
This statement is a
a. direct characterization.
b. indirect characterization.
3. Nicholas was a very conscientious student. He never missed assignments, studied in
advance for all his tests, and did many extra credit projects. His teachers all praised his
ideal study habits. Each quarter, when report cards came home, Nicholas was on the
high honor roll.
Nicholas is an excellent student.
This statement is a
a. direct characterization.
b. indirect characterization.
4. “Did you see Maria’s science project?” said Ms. Wright, the biology teacher. “It is one of
the best projects I have ever seen. She obviously did a great deal of research, planned
the project well, and did a great job putting it together. She is one of my best students.”
Maria appreciates the importance of hard work.
This statement is a
a. direct characterization.
b. indirect characterization.
Copyright © 2007 Taylor Associates/Communications, Inc.