45 questions
Characterization is
the central message in a story
the problem in a story
the process by which a writer reveals a character's personality and qualities
In indirect characterization....
the writer describes the character
the character's personality is directly described by the author
the writer reveals the character through STEAL
In direct characterization....
the writer describes the character
the writer reveals the character through STEAL
the writer doesn't care how you learn about the character
What does STEAL stand for?
Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks
Statements, Time, Effort, Actions, and Love
Solitude, Thoughts, Enthusiasm, Actions, and Loss
What do you know about Jack from this sentence?
Jack looked at his sister with a strange look on his face after she put ketchup in her milk.
Jack thinks his sister is making a good choice.
Jack thinks his sister is weird for using ketchup in her milk.
Jack doesn't care what his sister does.
Is this direct or indirect characterization?
Jack looked at his sister with a strange look on his face after she put ketchup in her milk.
direct
indirect
Character traits are adjectives that describe the qualities of a character.
A character’s traits are different from a character’s feelings. Characters’ feelings, or emotions, are a character’s emotional response to things that happen around them. Unlike character traits, feelings may come and go quickly.
Read the following passage from a story.
Mercy snorted. She should have known better than to challenge Victoria. Of all Mercy’s friends, Victoria talked loudest, ran fastest and took the most risks. She bragged about the time she convinced her older brothers to spend a weekend building her a fort. Mercy liked to call Victoria “Buster.” “Because you are always busting things up,” she laughed. Victoria wore the nickname with pride.
Based on the passage, which of the following is one of Victoria’s traits?
forgetful
confused
bold
shy
Direct characterization is when the author tells us directly what the characters are like. The author may state the character’s traits: “Kareem was a polite, patient boy who always listened to his parents.”
Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?
“Andy is such a jerk,” his sister sighed.
Andy was rude and usually didn’t think of other people’s feelings.
Andy knew he got to the line late but decided to skip ahead anyways.
“I got here first!” Andy growled at the small child waiting in front of him.
What are traits?
the struggles in the plot of a story
descriptive adjectives that tell you what a character is like
all of the events that happen in a story
the places where a story happens
An author writes, “The girl was very patient.” This is an example of ________.
the author telling you directly what a character is like
the author showing you indirectly what a character is like
An author reveals that a character is courageous through the character’s words, actions and thoughts. This is an example of ________.
the author telling you directly what a character is like
the author showing you indirectly what a character is like
True or False: Characters can only be humans.
True
False
A character, Flora, goes on a field trip to an amusement park. She tells her teacher she’s scared to go on the roller coasters. “No way I’m going on those!” she thinks. Flora’s classmates comment on how she’s shaking and looks pale. Based on this evidence, one trait that describes Flora is ________.
fierce
cowardly
talented
bold
Read the following sentences from a story. Choose the character trait that best describes Grandpa.
Grandpa was 85 years old and had gone through many experiences in his life. Everyone in Grandpa’s building went to him for advice. He always had the right answers. He helped people with their problems and gave them great recipes to try. “I’ve never met someone who knows as much as you do, Gramps!” exclaimed Simon.
wise
magnificent
fortunate
elegant
A character, Carson, looks up to his older sister. His sister had an art show coming up. The week before show, she told Carson not to go into her room and peek at her project. Carson followed her rules and didn’t try to go in. “I hope it’s a painting of me!” thought Carson.
What evidence can you use to support the fact that Carson is “respectful”?
Carson’s sister had an art show coming up.
Carson’s sister told him not peek at her project.
Carson followed his sister’s rules and didn't go in her room.
Carson hoped the art project was a painting of him.
Cindy Lou Who is a sweet little girl who is adorable and loves celebrating Christmas. She is that way at the beginning and she stays that way.
Cindy Lou Who is:
static
dynamic
a protagonist
an antagonist
The Grinch is a character who is mean and selfish at first. He hates Christmas. Later, his heart grows and he realizes he was wrong. He celebrates Christmas with the Whos.
The Grinch is:
static
dynamic
character foil
indirect characterization
Shrek is the main character in the movie. He faces many conflicts, but the audience wants to see him succeed. Shrek is:
static
direct characterization
the protagonist
the antagonist
In this story, the bus driver’s name is Al. The reader knows his name, and that he drives the bus every day. Al doesn’t participate in the plot other than driving the bus. Al is likely a _________________ character.
Flat
Round
Protagonist
Dynamic
John is a doctor working against the clock to find a cure for a disease that is threatening the human race. Despite all odds, he meets the challenge. John is the
protagonist
antagonist
static character
minor character