Methods of Characterization

1. Methods of Characterization Authors give their readers pieces of puzzles to solve their character’s identity

2. Methods of Characterization There are four ways an author lets the reader know what a character in a piece of literature is like. • speech and behavior • inner thoughts and feelings • physical traits and characteristics • other’s opinions and reactions

3. Physical Traits and Characteristics The writer describes how the character looks, dresses, and appears. Examples: • He was a tall boy with blonde hair and brown eyes. • The woman was wearing a beautiful blue gown with a pearl necklace. • His eyes were as cold as stone.

4. Speech and Behavior The character is revealed through his or her own speech and actions. Examples: • Joe reacted quickly and jumped into the river to save his little brother. • He grabbed the man and yelled, “give me your money!”

5. Inner Thoughts and Feelings The character is revealed through private thoughts. Examples: • Allison knew she should have given money to the homeless man, and felt very bad about it. • Kim felt impatient with her sister for being late.

6. Other’s Opinion and Reactions The writer reveals what other characters in the story say or think about the character. Examples: • “The new girl in school seems very nice,” said Jessica happily. • “Nathan is awesome at soccer,” remarked the fan, “he made two goals during the game.”

7. Methods of Characterization • speech and behavior • inner thoughts and feelings • physical traits and characteristics • other’s opinions and reactions

8. Checking for Understanding Identify the correct method of characterization and write it in the blank. • I suddenly had this crazy feeling like I wanted to bolt from the car and run through the fields until I couldn’t run anymore. What method for Paul? inner thoughts and feelings • Erik was sitting in one of the chairs. He waved casually to Mom. He ignored Me. What method for Erik? speech and behavior

9. “Trying to get in to see Old Charley Burn.” He looked at me. “He’s a real character. You’ll have to meet him. Spends half his life at the stock car races. He’s crazy about stock-car racing.” What method for Old Charlie Burns? other’s opinions and reactions 4. I thought to myself, OK, here we are. How long did it take Dad to get to his favorite topic, the Erik Fisher Football Dream? What method for Paul? inner thoughts and Feelings He didn’t look to be much older than Erik. He had on knee-high black-and-yellow boots, a pair of cutoff shorts, and a white shirt that had TANGERINE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-WAYNE written over the breast pocket. What method for Wayne? physical traits and characteristics