English 10 / Unit 3: Character Development and Archetypes
3.1 Methods of Characterization
Notes
Characterization is how an author reveals a character's personality.
- Direct characterization: the narrator tells us outright ("Ivan was greedy").
- Indirect characterization: the reader infers traits. Use STEAL: Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks.
- Indirect characterization is usually stronger, because readers draw their own conclusions.
- Example: "She counted the change twice, then asked the waiter for the extra penny" shows stinginess without naming it.
Practice
"Without a word, Theo gave his last sandwich to the new kid and went hungry until dinner." This is mainly characterization through:
His action shows generosity without the narrator stating it.
Which sentence uses direct characterization?
The narrator states her traits outright.
"Whenever Mr. Fenn walked into the break room, conversation stopped and people found reasons to leave." In STEAL, this detail is:
Others' reactions reveal something about Mr. Fenn.
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