Unit 1: Fictional prose
1.1.5 Spy Journal Word Bank
1.2.3 The Necklace: audio recording
1.3.6 The Yellow Wallpaper
1.2.7 Practice: Character Sketch
Characterization
Directions: Write a 150 word INDIRECT characterization for your submission. It should read like the example below.
1. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like.
2. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him.
Example:
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:
Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION:
“That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”
Irvin, Terry II. "Direct vs. Indirect Characterization." Fiction Factor. Nov. 27, 2012. http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/characterization.html.