Characterization
Characterization The process by which a writer reveals the personality of a character. TYPES OF CHARACTERIZATION: 1. Direct 2. Indirect
Direct Characterization The author or narrator makes direct statements about a character s traits. The author TELLS us about the character s personality. Example: Madame Loisel...had become the woman of impoverished households -- strong and hard and rough. [ The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant]
Indirect Characterization The author or narrator reveals a character s traits through his or her actions and speech. The author SHOWS us the character s personality. Example: It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. [ The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe]
Methods of Indirect Characterization 1. S 2. T 3. E 4. A 5. L What does the character say? How does the character speak? What is revealed through the character s private thoughts and feelings? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? What does the character do? How does the character behave? What does the character look like? How does the character dress?
Methods of Indirect Characterization 1. Speech 2. Thoughts 3. Effect on Characters 4. Actions 5. Looks What does the character say? How does the character speak? What is revealed through the character s private thoughts and feelings? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? What does the character do? How does the character behave? What does the character look like? How does the character dress?
What does the indirect characterization reveal? In Richard Connell s The Most Dangerous Game, Ivan looks as if the giant were a statue and gives no sign that he understood Rainsford s words. WHAT DOES IT REVEAL?
What does the indirect characterization reveal? In Richard Connell s The Most Dangerous Game, Ivan looks as if the giant were a statue and gives no sign that he understood Rainsford s words. WHAT DOES IT REVEAL? Ivan is silent, but deadly. His large stature suggests he is very strong and imposing.
What does the indirect characterization reveal? In O. Henry s The Gift of the Magi, Della sacrifices her most valuable possession, her hair, in order to buy a gift for her husband. WHAT DOES IT REVEAL?
What does the indirect characterization reveal? In O. Henry s The Gift of the Magi, Della sacrifices her most valuable possession, her hair, in order to buy a gift for her husband. WHAT DOES IT REVEAL? Della loves her husband very much. She wants to make him happy.
Handout Question # 1 1.) LORD MONTAGUE: Many a morning hath he there been seen, With tears augmenting the fresh morning dew. Adding to clouds more clouds with his deep sighs; But all so soon as the all-cheering sun, Should in the furthest east begin to draw. The shady curtains from Aurora's bed, Away from the light steals home my heavy son, And private in his chamber pens himself, Shuts up his windows, locks far daylight out And makes himself an artificial night. What we learn about Romeo: Romeo has been depressed, hiding away from everyone, even locking himself alone in his room. Why this is important to the play so far: We learn about Romeo s lovesickness, and how depressed he got when Rosaline refused his love.
Handout Question # 2 2.) Benvolio: The fiery Tybalt, with his sword prepared, Which, as he breathed defiance to my ears, He swung about his head and cut the winds, Who nothing hurt withal hiss'd him in scorn: While we were interchanging thrusts and blows, Came more and more and fought on part and part, Till the prince came, who parted either part. (I.i.99-105) What we learn about Tybalt: Tybalt is angry, and a fighter with a temper. He would not stop fighting until the Prince came. Why this is important to the play so far: This is important because Tybalt has already threatened to fight Romeo. He will prove to be a huge problem later in the story.
Handout Question # 3 3.) Romeo: Out of her favor, where I am in love... Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still, Should, without eyes, see pathways to his will! What we learn about Romeo: Romeo is a romantic and he is sick in love with someone who does not love him back. Why this is important to the play so far: Romeo is sad because he is convinced that will never love another. Yet, at the end of this act, he will fall in love with Juliet.
Handout Question # 4 4.) Capulet: She is the hopeful lady of my earth: But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart, My will to her consent is but a part; An she agree, within her scope of choice, Lies my consent and fair according voice. (I.ii.13-17) What we learn about Juliet: Capulet is allowing Juliet to make the choice whether she is ready to be married, which must mean that he trusts her judgment at least a little. He knows Juliet is headstrong and knows what she wants. Why this is important to the play so far: Paris begins to pursue Juliet.
Handout Question # 5 5.) Juliet: [Marriage] is an honour that I dream not of. (I.iii.68) What we learn about Juliet: Juliet feels marriage is an honor, but she either feels too young, or just not ready for marriage at this time. Why this is important to the play so far: Juliet doesn t dream of being married to anyone. This will cause a problem, since Paris wants to marry her, and she has just fallen in love with Romeo.