Direct and Indirect Characterization.pptVIP

Characterization English 9 Characterization “Characterization” is the methods used by an author so that the reader gets to know a character. Authors use two types of characterization Direct Indirect Direct Characterization In direct characterization, the author or narrator explicitly states a character’s TRAITS (qualities) Examples - My aunt Cher is nosy. The coach is competitive. Rip van Winkle (You don’t need to write this down...) “He was a simple, good-natured man; he was more over a kind neighbor and an obedient, henpecked husband.” -Rip van Winkle, by Washington Irving Indirect Characterization The author reveals character traits through appearance dialogue thoughts actions effects on other characters Appearance Character revealed through physical features, clothing, demeanor, etc. “The appearance of Rip, with his long grizzled beard, his rusty fowling piece, his uncouth dress, . . . soon attracted the attention of the tavern politicians.” Rip van Winkle Dialogue What characters say and how they say it reveals important character traits. (Entering the village after his twenty-year nap) “God knows,” exclaimed [Rip] . . ., “I’m not myself.—I’m somebody else—that’s me yonder—no—that’s somebody else got into my shoes—I was myself last night; but I fell asleep on the mountain—and they’ve changed my gun—and everything’s changed—and I’m changed—and I can’t tell what’s my name, or who I am!” Rip van Winkle Thoughts Characters’ private thoughts can reveal what they think, feel, want, or fear. (Rip learns that friends have passed away in his absence) “Rip’s heart died away, at hearing of these sad changes in his home and his friends, and finding himself thus alone in the world . . . he had no courage to ask after any more friends, but cried out in despair, “Does nobody here know Rip Van Winkle?” Rip van Winkle Actions Characters’ actions - what they do and how they do it - can reveal their personality. “He assisted at their sports, made their playt