Direct Characterization Examples & Definition
Introduction
As we read characters in the various books, readers often become aware that authors will describe their characters in detail.
As writers, we tend to do this in the stories we generate. When our teachers guide us through creative writing experiences, we often begin by brainstorming the setting, but also the many characters who will fill the paragraphs or pages of our tales.
We want the reader to understand who the characters are, what they look like, where they are from, and how they sound.
It is those rich details and imagery that allow us to envision the character on their unique journey.
Definition
Direction characterization is straightforward and provides specific details about the character. The author provides details that help a reader envision many aspects of who the character is.
Examples
Classic Literature
In many classic works of literature, authors describe characters directly. This helps us envision who they are.
For instance, in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, a main character is Heathcliff. He is described this way: “Heathcliff was a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, wild, and reckless.” This describes Heathcliff’s physical appearance and his personality.
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Puritan story, The Scarlet Letter, he describes Hester Prynne this way: “She had a figure of perfect elegance, on a small scale, and a face which, in repose, was mild and attractive.” This helps the readers to envision Prynn.
In J.K. Rowling’s story, Harry Potter, she describes the title character using the following adjectives: “Harry had a thin face, knobby knees, black hair, and bright green eyes.” This directly describes Harry’s physical appearance, including his hair and eyes.
Popular with many middle school readers, R.J. Palacio’s work, Wonder, orients the readers to Auggie. Palacio writes, “Auggie Pullman was ten years old when he went to his first day of school.” This specifically states Auggie’s age.
In Harper Lee’s classic story, To Kill a Mockingbird, she describes Scout this way: “Scout Finch was born Jean Louise Finch, but her brother called her Scout, and Scout she remained.” This author, Harper Lee, explicitly and directly tells readers about the origin of Scout’s nickname.
In the children’s picture book, Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White “Charlotte was a very clever spider.” This directly states what kind of insect Charlotte is and a little bit about one of her traits– she is very smart!
In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The Little Prince: “The little prince was a curious and thoughtful child.” – This directly states the little prince’s personality traits, which are central to the story.
Analyzing Direct Characterization
In order to analyze direct characterization, it is helpful to offer learners and readers a variety of opportunities to do so. Here are some of our favorite classroom strategies:
Analyze a Passage: Select a passage from your current text of focus for learners to analyze. Ask them to underline and cite the details where the author tells the readers directly about the character. Then have students share their findings, cite details by page number or section, and draw the character based on their features, including a facial expression or body posture that best exemplifies that character.
Compare Characters: Have students compare characters in a story. Based on the details the author provides, what can each learner understand about those characters? This is also a good opportunity to see which characters the author provides less information about.
For younger learners, sometimes the acronym PAIRS is used for their analysis of characterization. PAIRS stands for:
- P: Physical description
- A: Action
- I: Inner thoughts
- R: Reactions
- S: Speech
This can be a helpful tool in aiding younger readers who are learning about characterization, what it is, and how to identify it in the texts they read.
Conclusion
As learners read more advanced works, they will find that authors tend to vary based on how much detail they provide. Learning to identify and visualize traits the author defines through direct characterization is a helpful tool.
Therefore, encouraging readers to continuously look for details is also important. After all, it may be the case that new characters arrive and there is more to learn!
Beyond this, some authors parcel out information about characters a little at a time; this leaves room for continued analysis of direct characterization.
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