Characters

SPI 0701.8.6

I can identify how the author reveals character.

Textbook pg 128-130

Types of CharactersTypes of Characters

Major charactersMinor charactersAntagonistsProtagonists

CharacterizationCharacterizationA writer reveals what a character is like A writer reveals what a character is like

and how the character changes and how the character changes throughout the story.throughout the story.

Two primary methods of characterization:Two primary methods of characterization:Direct-Direct- writer tells what the character is like writer tells what the character is likeIndirectIndirect-- writer shows what a character is like writer shows what a character is like

by describing what the character looks like, by by describing what the character looks like, by telling what the character says and does, and telling what the character says and does, and by what other characters say about and do in by what other characters say about and do in response to the character.response to the character.

Direct CharacterizationDirect Characterization

…And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I’m a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky.

From “Raymond’s Run” by T. Bambara

Indirect CharacterizationIndirect Characterization

The old man bowed to all of us in the room. Then he removed his hat and gloves, slowly and carefully. Chaplin once did that in a picture, in a bank--he was the janitor.

From “Gentleman of Rio en Medio” by J. Sedillo

Factors in Analyzing Factors in Analyzing CharactersCharacters

Physical appearance of character

PersonalityBackground/personal historyMotivationRelationshipsConflictDoes character change?

How does an author reveal character?

What the author tells usWhat the characters say about

him/herWhat the character doesWhat the character saysWhat the character thinks

How does an author show what a character is like?

AppearanceDoes the character have laugh lines?How is the character dressed?

ActionJohn danced around the room singing to the

music.

Speech“I don’t have to do what you say!”

How does an author show what a character is like?

Thoughts & FeelingsYou read what the character is thinking“Julie wanted to cry when she saw the stray

cat”

Other characters’ reactionWhat do other characters think about this

character?What do they say about him/her?If a character is negative about everyone, you

may learn more about him/her than others.

Protagonist

The main character in a story is called the protagonist. She or he is always involved in the main conflict and its resolution.

AntagonistThe person opposing the

protagonist is called the antagonist.

The character that causes or leads The character that causes or leads the conflict against the protagonist is the conflict against the protagonist is called the called the antagonistantagonist.. The antagonist The antagonist is not always human, but can be a is not always human, but can be a group or force as well.group or force as well.

Theme

SPI 0701.8.5

I can identify the stated or implied theme of a literary text.

Textbook pg 236-238

Theme Is the truth about life that you discover from reading the story

What is it not?

Theme is not…The plotThe topic of the story

ThemeThemeA central message, concern, or

insight into life expressed through a literary work

Can be expressed by one or two sentence statement about human beings or about life

May be stated directly or impliedInterpretation uncovers the theme

Stated or Implied Theme

Most themes are  implied rather than directly stated by an author. 

When the theme is implied, the reader must figure out what the theme is by looking carefully at what the work reveals about people, about the relationships between people, and about life. 

How can I find the theme?

How has the main character changed over the course of the story?

What has he/she discovered by the end of the story?

What scenes or passages strike you as especially important to the story?

What ideas about life do they suggest?

How can I find the theme?

What is the story’s title? Does it reveal anything special about the story?

What lesson did the character(s) learn?How can I apply this to real life?

Which one is theme?A family travels to Alabama and faces

hardships along the way.PrejudiceFacing your fears is the only way to

overcome them.Happiness can be found in the joys of

ordinary life.

Explore theme and plot

Read “Hearts and Hands” by O. HenryPages 239-242

Identify the ..PlotTopicTheme

Words to Know

Major CharacterMinor CharacterAntagonistsProtagonists

Identify Characters

•List all the characters from “Duffy’s Jacket”

•Identify what the type of each character•Major or minor•Protagonist or Antagonist

•How did the author reveal their character?