Direct vs. Indirect Characterization

What is it? Characterization is the process by

which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

Direct vs. Indirect Direct

Characterization

The writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality and tells what the character is like.

Examples?

Indirect Characterization

The writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character’s thoughts, words, and actions, along with how characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him.

Examples?

Examples Describing a Character

Direct Characterization

Mickey has big, round, black ears.

He has red shorts.

He has yellow shoes.

Examples Describing a Character Indirect Characterization

Mickey reached up and touched his big, round ears.

Minnie commented on how red Mickey’s shorts were.

He thought about polishing his yellow shoes.

Activity! Highlight examples of direct characterization in one color and

examples of indirect characterization in another color.

Tony pulled on his Angel’s baseball cap to conceal his orange-red hair in anticipation for the game to start. He had bright blue eyes and a face covered in freckles. His father suddenly pointed out, “Tony! You’re so forgetful! Where is your baseball mitt?” Tony suddenly reached down and retrieved the mitt from where he had hidden it from his father to play a joke. His smile was bright and cheerful while he laughed at his success in worrying his father.

Activity! Highlight examples of direct characterization in one color and

examples of indirect characterization in another color.

Tony pulled on his Angel’s baseball cap to conceal his orange-red hair in anticipation for the game to start. He had bright blue eyes and a face covered in freckles. His father suddenly pointed out, “Tony! You’re so forgetful! Where is your baseball mitt?” Tony suddenly reached down and retrieved the mitt from where he had hidden it from his father to play a joke. His smile was bright and cheerful while he laughed at his success in worrying his father.

T-Chart Direct

Bright blue eyes Face covered in

freckles Bright smile Cheerful smile

Indirect

Baseball cap Orange-red hair Excited about the

game Forgetful

Discussion Which is easier to understand?

Which creates a more vivid image?

Which is more active?

Which is more passive?

What does direct or indirect say about the author’s style?