Characterization

Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

Direct Characterization

Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl

were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”

Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Example from Raymond’s Run

“ I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky.”

What- Squeaky has skinny arms and a squeaky voice.

Why- Squeaky, as the narrator, just tells us this fact about herself.

Indirect Characterization

Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are four different methods of indirect characterization:

Here’s a little tip:

Use the mnemonic device of RATS to remember the five types of indirect characterization .

RATSReactions

ActionsThought

Speech

Reactions of others What is revealed through the

character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Example from Raymond’s Run

“I squint at him real hard to see if he is seriously thinking I should lose the race on purpose just to give someone a break.”

What- Squeaky is a serious athlete. Why- She wouldn’t even consider

losing on purpose.

Actions

What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Example from Raymond’s Run

“And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances.”

What- Squeaky is protective of Raymond

Why- She is willing to fight someone.

Thoughts

What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?

Example from Raymond’s Run

“First I think I’ll step into the candy store and look over the new comics and let them pass. But that’s chicken and I’ve got a reputation to consider.”

What- Squeaky isn’t afraid of confrontation.

Why- She is willing to meet up with her rivals rather than hide.

Speech

What does the character say? How does the character speak?

Example from Raymond’s Run

“ ‘I always win ‘cause I’m the best,’ I say straight at Gretchen.”

What- Squeaky is confident. Why- She is willing to race to prove

herself.

Let’s look at examples in some movie clips

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9Us1WvPTxp6jCTJ1hIyYBuGOt3-nhZd