Lecture on Characterization

Key Concepts

• Characterization: The process by which the author reveals the personality of characters in a fictional story.
  • Two types: Direct and Indirect characterization.

Types of Characterization

Direct Characterization

• Author directly tells the personality of the character.
• Example: "Finch was by far the bigger of the pair, handsome and powerfully built."

Indirect Characterization

• Author shows the personality through words, thoughts, actions, effects on others, and looks.
• Example: "Finch roused the rest of the band from their crude tents, kicking the ones who woke too slowly."

STEAL Method

Character can be analyzed through:

• Speech: What the character says and how they say it.
• Thoughts: The character's private thoughts and feelings.
• Effect on Others: How other characters react to them.
• Actions: What the character does, depicting their true self.
• Looks: Physical appearance and body language.

Examples of Character Traits

1. Actions

   • Jessie delivers newspapers daily:
     • Reveals: Dependable, reliable
   • Method: Actions

2. Effect on Others

   • Janine is known to be smart without studying:
     • Reveals: Intelligent
   • Method: Effect on Others

3. Looks

   • Woman dressed in branded items:
     • Reveals: Rich, wealthy
   • Method: Looks

4. Actions

   • Tim's clumsiness in the store:
     • Reveals: Clumsy, awkward
   • Method: Actions

5. Thoughts and Actions

   • John's satisfaction with his painting:
     • Reveals: Happy, satisfied, determined
   • Method: Thoughts and Actions

6. Looks and Actions

   • Sally's dejection after a soccer game:
     • Reveals: Sad, dejected
   • Method: Looks and Actions

7. Effect on Others

   • Jack is unpopular in the library:
     • Reveals: Unpopular, disliked
   • Method: Effect on Others

8. Speech

   • Pat's concern for his family:
     • Reveals: Kind, caring, helpful
   • Method: Speech

9. Speech

   • Liz talking about her expensive computer:
     • Reveals: Conceited, spoiled
   • Method: Speech

10. Actions

    • Kaylee helping Ms. Cunningham:
      • Reveals: Helpful, considerate
    • Method: Actions

Project Assignment

• Create a character poster using the STEAL method.
  • Assign each group member a section.
  • Use planning sheets and rubrics provided.
  • The poster is due Thursday with class time available on Tue and Wed.