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What is Characterization?

Characterization is how an author reveals a character's personality, traits, and motivations. There are two main types:

1. Direct Characterization: The author directly tells the reader about the character’s traits.

Clues: Look for specific statements about the character in the text.

Examples:

"He was a kind and generous man."

"Sarah was shy and didn’t like speaking in front of people."

2. Indirect Characterization : The author shows the character’s traits through their actions, words, thoughts, appearance, or how others react to them.

Clues: Look for evidence in these five areas:

Method of Indirect Characterization	What to Look For
Speech	What does the character say? How do they speak?
Thoughts	What are the character’s inner thoughts or feelings?
Effect on Others	How do other characters react to or feel about this character?
Actions	What does the character do? How do their actions reveal their personality?
Looks	What does the character’s appearance say about them? (clothing, expressions, posture, etc.)

Examples:

Speech: "I don’t care what happens to anyone else," he said with a sneer (shows selfishness).

Actions: She stayed behind to help clean up after the party (shows kindness).

Effect on Others: Everyone avoided him because they were afraid of his temper (shows he is intimidating).

Direct vs. Indirect Characterization: Example

Example	Type of Characterization	Explanation
"She was brave and determined."	Direct	The author tells us about her bravery and determination.
She stood up and faced the dragon, even though her hands were shaking.	Indirect	The author shows her bravery through her actions.

How to Write a Character Analysis

When writing about a character, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Key Traits.    

What kind of person is this character? (e.g., brave, selfish, loyal, conflicted)

Are they dynamic (changing) or static (unchanging)?

Step 2: Find Evidence

Use direct quotes or examples from the text to support your points:

Look for direct characterization (what the author says about them).

Look for indirect characterization (what their speech, actions, or others’ reactions show).

Step 3: Explain the Evidence

How does this trait affect the story?

How does it connect to the theme or emotional impact of the text?

Step 4: Reflect on the Character’s Role

How does this character contribute to the story’s themes?

How does the author make readers feel about this character?

Character Analysis Template

Use this template to organize your analysis:

Question	Your Answer
Who is the character you are analyzing?
What are their key traits?
Direct Characterization: What does the author say about the character?
Indirect Characterization: What does the character’s speech, actions, thoughts, or others’ reactions reveal about them?
How do these traits affect the story or themes?
What is the emotional impact of this character on the reader?

 

Example Character: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Key Trait: Brave

Direct Characterization: The author describes Katniss as a skilled hunter and survivor.

Indirect Characterization:

Actions: Volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games (shows courage and selflessness).

Thoughts: Constantly strategizes to protect herself and others.

Speech: Tells Peeta, “We fight together or not at all,” showing her loyalty.

How It Affects the Story: Her bravery drives the plot and inspires rebellion.

Emotional Impact: Readers admire her strength and resilience.

Character Analysis : Katniss Everdeen

The protagonist of the Hunger Games series, Katniss Everdeen, is a brave and selfless young woman who uses her skills as a hunter and survivalist to win the hearts of readers while working tirelessly to take down a corrupt government.

At the beginning of the story, Katniss is presented as a courageous teenager with a deep love for her family. When her younger sister, Prim, is chosen as a tribute for the Hunger Games, Katniss selflessly volunteers to take her place, sparing Prim the terror of being hunted and killed for sport. This act is especially brave because Katniss knows she is likely walking into a death trap, as very few tributes survive the Games.

As the story progresses, Katniss shows remarkable compassion for others, even in the brutal environment of the Games. For example, she forms a bond with Rue, a much younger competitor, and protects her as if she were her own sister. Katniss’ decision to look out for Rue, rather than viewing her as an enemy, demonstrates her humanity and her resistance to the cruelty of the Games.

Katniss is brought to life not only through her actions but also through her words. Throughout the series, she delivers impassioned speeches to inspire others, whether addressing her fellow competitors or the oppressed citizens of Panem. One notable example is when she tells Peeta, “We fight together or not at all,” emphasizing her loyalty and her hope that young people will unite against the real enemy: the oppressive Capitol. Her speeches and actions reveal her as a selfless, compassionate, and determined leader who inspires rebellion and hope.

Overall, Katniss Everdeen’s bravery, compassion, and selflessness make her a true hero and an inspiration to readers everywhere. Through her actions and words, she challenges injustice and proves that even in the face of overwhelming odds, one person can make a difference.