Characterization
• Characterization is the art of creating characters
for a narrative. This involves the process of
conveying information about them through
description, actions, speech, and thoughts.
– Direct characterization- the author literally TELLS the
audience what the character is like via the narrator,
another character, or the character him/herself.
– Indirect characterization- the audience must INFER
what the character is like based on thoughts, actions,
speech, interactions with other characters, or
reactions.
Character Mandalas
“Mandala” is a Sanskrit word
meaning center and circle. A
mandala shows that the center
of any circle is tied to its
circumference and the
circumference is determined by
the center. As such, the
mandala represents wholeness.
Therefore, your character
mandala should represent the
whole character, not just one
aspect.
Creating a Mandala
You will be creating a mandala for Elie.
Creating a Mandala
Complete the questions or lists below in a separate
sheet of paper.
Your character is:_______________________
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
List at least 10 adjectives describing your character.
What animal best describes your character and why?
What plant best describes your character and why?
What number best describes your character and why?
What shape best describes your character and why?
List three quotes that offer support for your symbols.
What color(s) best describe/s your character and
why? (refer to the color chart on next slide)
Colors are often used symbolically by writers. If you study the list below, you will see that
the same color can symbolize both positives and negatives.
Red
Yellow
excitement, energy, passion, speed, strength, power, heat, love, aggression, danger,
fire, blood, war, violence
joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, gold, philosophy,
dishonesty, cowardice, betrayal, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard
Blue
peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence,
conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, cold, technology, depression
Orange
energy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrancy, expansive, flamboyant, demanding
of attention
nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, generosity,
jealousy, inexperience, envy
royalty, spirituality, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation,
wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning
Green
Purple
Gray
security, reliability, intelligence, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative,
practical, old age, sadness, boring
Brown
Earth, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity
White
reverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence,
youth, birth, winter, snow, good, marriage
Black
sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity,
unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, mourning,
death
Creating a Mandala
• Mandalas can have a sunnyside and a shadowside.
• The dark and light side represents the dark and light sides
of our personalities.
• Mandalas do not have to be perfect circles, but they need
to resemble a circle.
• Divide your circle-shape in two (you may have a picture of
your character in the center if you like) or create sections.
• Label the sides “sunnyside” and “shadowside” or create
sections for the different adjectives you chose and label
them.
• Put your information from your brainstorming list on the
appropriate sides or sections.
References
• http://www.mandalaproject.org/Index.html
• http://novelinks.org/uploads/Novels/Witness/
Strategies.pdf