Indirect Characterization

STEAL-Authors use indirect

characterization to SHOW instead of TELL the reader what a

character is like! -They indirectly show us through the character’s speech, thoughts,

effect on others, actions, and looks.

S-Speech-What does the character say?

-How does the character speak (tone)?S-Upbeat

Text Evidence Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)

Many of the words spoken by the cat at the beginning of the story have an upbeat tone and meaning. For instance, the cat says to the children, “But we can have lots of fun that is funny!” (7).

This reveals that the cat’s character is an upbeat character that likes to have fun. His tone is cheerful and he uses energetic and happy words.

T-ThoughtsWhat is revealed through the

character’s private thoughts and feelings?

T-Stir-Crazy

Text Evidence Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)

So all we could do was to sit, sit, sit, sit! And we did not like it. Not one little bit.

These are thoughts of the narrator as he stares out the window on a rainy day. These thoughts reveal that the character is stir-crazy about his current situation.

E-Effect on Others-What is revealed through the character’s effect on

others?-How do others feel or behave in reaction to the

character?

E-Obnoxious

Text Evidence Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)

Throughout the first three quarters of the story, three different illustrations portray the fish scowling at the cat (pages 11, 25, and 37) immediately after each of the cat’s activities.

The scowls on the fish’s face support the argument that the cat’s behavior at the beginning of the story is not acceptable to the fish. It is clear the cat has annoyed the fish by acting in an obnoxious manner.

A-Actions-What does the character do?

-How does the character behave?

A-Dangerous

Text Evidence Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)

One page 18, the cat engages in “Up-up-up with a fish,” an activity that involves the cat standing on a ball while balancing seven objects. Later in the story, the cat releases two “things” that fly kites inside the house.

These activities are outrageous, dangerous, and should not be conducted in the house. They reveal that the cat’s character is not concerned about rules related to safety and appropriateness.

L-Looks-What does the character look like?

-What facial expressions does the character make?-How does the character dress?

L-Depressed

Text Evidence Analysis (Infer and explain how the text evidence proves the character trait)

Towards the end of the story, the cat is asked to leave the house. He is shown leaving the house with slumped shoulders and a melancholy /sad face.

The slumped shoulders and sad face reveal that the cat is no longer enjoying his obnoxious behavior. He is clearly upset about being asked to leave, hence causing him to feel depressed.

Let’s Give it a Try!Via Harry Potter!

Directions: After reading the next few passages, determine which category was

used to identify the character trait.

SpeechThoughts

Effect on OthersActionsLooks

Uncle Vernon-Irritated

“It was Uncle Vernon, still purple faced, still mustached, still looking

furious at the nerve of Harry.”

Uncle Vernon-Irritated

Looks!

Harry Potter-Famous“There was a great scrapping of

chairs and the next moment, Harry found himself shaking hands with everyone at the Leaky Cauldron.”

Harry Potter-Famous

Effect on Others

Dudley Dursley-Spoiled

“Thirty six, he said, looking up at his mother and father. That’s two less

than last year!”

Dudley Dursley-Spoiled

Speech

Harry Potter- Hopeful

“Harry had dreamed and dreamed of some unknown relation coming to

take him away.”

Harry Potter-Hopeful

Thoughts

Hermione-Diligent

“Hermione, however, had more on her mind than the Sorcerer’s

Stone; She had started drawing up study schedules and color-coding

all her notes.”

Hermione-Diligent

Actions

Harry Potter-Respected

“Bless my soul,” whispered the old man, “Harry Potter, what an

honor.”

Harry Potter-Respected

Effect on Others

Hagrid-Commanding

“A giant of a man…his face was almost completely hidden by a

long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard…”

Hagrid-Commanding

Looks

Harry Potter-Overwhelmed

“Harry wished he had about eight more eyes. He turned his head in every direction as they walked up the street, trying and hoping to

look at everything at once.”

Harry Potter-Overwhelmed

Thoughts

Professor Snape-Harsh

“Idiot boy! I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire!” screamed

the professor.

Professor Snape-Harsh

Speech

Harry Potter- Perseverant

“Harry sprang to the flame door…Harry jumped to this feet, caught Quirrell by the arm, and hung on

as tight as he could.”

Harry Potter- Perseverant

Actions

Characterization Category

Text Evidence Explanation/Analysis

Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? Trait:

Text Evidence: Explanation/Analysis:

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

Text Evidence: Explanation/Analysis:

Effect on others toward the character. What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?Trait:

Text Evidence: Explanation/Analysis:

Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? Trait:

Text Evidence: Explanation/Analysis:

Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?Trait:

Text Evidence: Explanation/Analysis: