Characterization — English definition
Defined in 5 courses:
- The techniques an author uses to reveal a character's personality and traits. (English 6)
- The ways a text presents a character through details, actions, speech, and other evidence. (English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression)
- The techniques an author uses to reveal a character's personality — through dialogue, actions, thoughts, and how other characters react to them. (English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility)
- The techniques an author uses to reveal a character's personality, values, and motivations. (English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry)
- The techniques an author uses to reveal a character's values, motivations, and inner life. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Character Development — Reading Literature, English 6, Grade 6
- Character Development: Motives, Choices & Change — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
- Character & Dialogue — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
- Characterization & Complex Characters — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Characterization & Narrative Technique — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
Characterization is the whole toolkit an author uses to build a personality on the page and make you believe in it.
Character Development
Characterization is the process through which a text presents a character.
Character Development: Motives, Choices & Change
When they do state it flat out — 'Dana was a generous person' — that's called direct characterization, and good writers use it sparingly, because it's a bit like being handed the punchline instead of hearing the joke.
Character & Dialogue
Questions using characterization
Problem 1
- "Sam was very brave."
- "Everyone said Sam had courage."
- Sam's hands shook, but she stepped between the barking dog and her little brother anyway.
- The narrator explains that bravery is an important trait.
Answer and explanation
Sam's hands shook, but she stepped between the barking dog and her little brother anyway.
Showing Sam's shaking hands (fear) and her action (stepping in anyway) lets the reader infer bravery rather than being told directly.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Jamal's response reveals that he is gracious, mature, and a supportive teammate — he focuses on others instead of his own disappointment. This is indirect characterization, because the narrator shows these traits through his actions (gathering equipment, thanking the referee, encouraging teammates) instead of stating them outright.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
The ways a text presents a character through details, actions, speech, and other evidence. The unit case offers this example to examine: At first Leila treats certainty as evidence that her work is successful and supplies an untested explanation for Ari’s pause. Seeing the blocked cupboard changes her understanding. Later she moves the unreadable card rather than hiding it, and leaves a suggestion tray. She still feels embarrassment, but increasingly uses uncertainty to guide revision. Identify the wording or choice that fits the term. A different accurate example is acceptable.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 4
- A character's dialogue shows she is nervous, without the narrator saying so
- The narrator states plainly, 'Maria was a nervous person'
- A chapter title names the main character
- The setting is described in the first paragraph
Answer and explanation
A character's dialogue shows she is nervous, without the narrator saying so
Indirect characterization reveals personality through speech, action, or others' reactions rather than a direct label from the narrator.
Taught alongside
- direct characterization
- indirect characterization
- motivation
- dynamic character
- static character
- motive
- evidence
- qualification
- revision
- dialogue
- complex character
- foil
- narrative voice
- point of view