Master the Art of Characterization

The purpose of characterization in literature is to develop characters and create images of the characters for the audience.

The two approaches to characterization in literature are direct characterization and indirect characterization.

With direct characterization, the author tells us what he or she wants us to know about the character, while with indirect characterization, the author shows us things about the character to help us understand the character's personality and effect on other characters.

<p>PAIRS stands for Physical description, Action, Inner thoughts, Reactions, and Speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The method of characterization that focuses on describing the character's physical appearance is physical description.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An example of a physical description in characterization is describing the character's hair color or clothing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The method of characterization through action involves showing the character's actions or behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The method of characterization through inner thoughts involves revealing the character's thoughts or inner dialogues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The method of characterization through reactions involves showing how other characters react to or interact with the character.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The method of characterization through speech involves showcasing the character's dialogue or spoken words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The five methods of characterization discussed in the text are: physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author uses physical description to convey information about Ann by describing how she is dressed differently than the other students. She wears baggy jeans and tennis shoes, while the other girls wear skirts and heels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ann dropping her books reveals that she is very nervous and uncomfortable. It also causes unwanted attention and she is probably feeling embarrassed and humiliated at this point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The other girls' reactions to Ann reveal that they do not seem very friendly toward her because of her appearance. They call her a farm girl, which tells us that this new town is very different from Ann's hometown and that she is different from the others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ann's speech when she calls her mother tells us that she is very upset, sad, and desperate to go back home. It reveals that she feels out of place in this new school and believes she will not be accepted in this new environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Direct characterization is when the author explicitly tells us about the character, while indirect characterization is when the author shows us about the character through actions, thoughts, reactions, speech, and physical description.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author uses the term 'PAIRS' as a mnemonic device to help remember the five methods of characterization. 'PAIRS' stands for physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author uses physical description to create images for the audience by describing the appearance of the characters, such as Ann's baggy jeans and tennis shoes compared to the other girls' skirts and heels. This helps the reader visualize the characters and their differences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ann's inner thoughts contribute to the understanding of her character by revealing her nervousness, surprise at the large size of the school, feeling out of place, and missing her old friends. This helps the reader understand her emotions and the challenges she is facing in her new environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Through the reactions of the other girls to Ann, the reader can learn that the girls do not seem friendly towards her and that there is a sense of exclusion or judgment. This provides insight into the relationships among the characters and the social dynamics within the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers