How an author reveals a character SPI:

Transcription

1 How an author reveals a character SPI:

2 What it looks like on a test. Julie jumped up and down while waiting for her test to be graded. She bit her nails and made loud sighing noises. She knew the track coach was counting on her to make a good grade on the test. They needed her at Saturday s meet! Which of these can you infer about Julie? a)she is lazy and she often makes bad grades. b)she is nervous about her test grade because she doesn t want to let her coach down. c)she is the star track runner and they are playing in the state finals. The author is revealing information about Julie without directly telling us.

3 Characterization: The techniques and manner that an author employs to present a character to his or her readers. These techniques include: name, appearance, actions, words, thoughts, feelings, and what others say about the character. The author can tell us about the characters or they can show us about the characters. In Direct Characterization, the author explicitly tells us what a character is like. In Indirect Characterization, the author gives clues or hints about the character but leaves it up to the reader to make *judgments. *These judgments can vary based upon readers bias and previous experience.

4 Examples: Direct characterization: The patient boy and quiet girl were well mannered and never disobeyed their mother. Indirect characterization: The boy and girl remembered to say please, thank you, and yes ma am to their superiors, including their mother. Teachers were constantly rewarding their behavior.

5 Character Traits Is this quote Direct or Indirect? Mrs. Twit carried a walking stick so she could hit things with it; things like dogs, cats, and small children." What can you infer from this quote? How were you able to determine this?

6 Character Traits An author tries to create a mental picture of a character. The author reveals the character's traits through the character's thoughts, looks, words, actions, and effects on others.

7 STEAL You can remember the methods utilized by authors in indirect characterization by using an acronym, STEAL. Speech: the things said and how they are spoken Thoughts: the character s private thoughts and feelings Effect on others: how do others react to or behave in relation to the character? Action: the things a character does Looks: How the character looks/how he or she dresses, etc.

8 Example: Character trait: Determined Speech: Soccer Player Michelle says to her coaches, I know I can do it! Thoughts: Michelle thinks: I refuse to give up until I have accomplished my goal! Effect on others: Michelle has received the Hustle Award twice as well as multiple compliments on her dedication. As a result of her hard work, she has inspired others to stay after school to work on soccer drills. Action: Michelle goes to practice every afternoon after school. On the weekends, she runs around her block to strengthen her endurance. She watches videotapes of her performances to help improve her skills. Looks: Michelle is prepared for soccer each day. She wears shin guards, cleats, and her hair is in a ponytail.

9 Remember Analyze the character s: Speech Effects on others Looks Thoughts Actions

10 Teacher models the activity. Ms. Keeter s trait says What would a character with this trait say? What would a character with this trait think? What effects would this character have on others? What would this character do? What might this character look like?

11 Your turn! Look underneath your desktop. Read the character trait you have found. On your note card, write what an author might make a character say, think, or do to demonstrate this trait. Also, don t forget to add the effect that character might have on others and what their looks might tell about them. Use your bookmark to guide you.

12 Bookmark Direct Characterization : The author TELLS the reader about the character. Indirect Characterization : The author SHOWS the reader about the character through the following: Speech: the things said and how they are spoken Thoughts: the character s private thoughts and feelings Effect on others: how do others react to or behave in relation to the character? Action: the things a character does Looks: How the character looks/how he or she dresses, etc.