Do Now: First, read the quote. Then, answer the
questions.
“It takes a village to raise a child.” – Ancient African
Proverb
1. What does this quote mean?
2. Do you agree or disagree with it? Explain.
Homework: Review the different types of characters
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
Characterization: How a writer depicts a character
either directly or indirectly
What type(s) of characters have you encountered within
literature ?
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 The protagonist is the central character (person, animal, or
personified object) in the plot's conflict.
 Example: John Proctor from The Crucible
 The antagonist is the force in conflict with the protagonist. It
may be society, nature, or fate, as well as another person. It can
also be the protagonist's own self, if he or she has an internal
conflict.
 Example: Abigail Williams from The Crucible
 A character foil is a character whose traits are in direct contrast
to those of the principal character. The foil therefore highlights
the traits of the protagonist. The foil is usually a minor character,
although if there are two protagonists, they may be foils of each
other.
 Reverend Hale (is in direct contrast to John Proctor)
 Elizabeth Proctor (is in direct contrast to Abigail Williams)
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 A stereotype is a character who possesses expected
traits of a group rather than being an individual. Using
stereotypes is usually considered an indication of poor
quality, especially in cases such as members of
minority groups, people with disabilities, or women.
However, stereotypes can be useful in furthering the
story quickly and are acceptable in minor roles if they
do not provide hurtful portraits of the groups in
question.
 The teen sitcom, Saved By The Bell features a typical group of
high school stereotypes such as a class clown (Zack Morris), a
jock (A.C. Slater), a nerd (Samuel "Screech" Powers), a
cheerleader (Kelly Kapowski), a feminist (Jessie Spano), and a
superficial fashion plate (Lisa Turtle)
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 A flat character (minor character) is not fully
developed; we know only one side of the character.
 Elizabeth Proctor from The Crucible
 A round character (main character) is fullydeveloped, with many traits--bad and good-shown in the story. We feel that we know the
character so well that he or she has become a real
person.
 Giles Corey from The Crucible
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
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Start reading the short story “Thank You Ma’am” by
Langston Hughes
Who is the story really about?
How does Roger react after Mrs. Jones asked him why
he tried to steal her pocketbook?
Why do you think Roger lied to Mrs. Jones?
What does Mrs. Jones say when Roger apologizes?
Are you surprised with Mrs. Jones' reaction? Why or
why not?
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
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Why do you think Mrs. Jones makes Roger wash his
face and then eat dinner with her?
How does Mrs. Jones treat Roger?
Why does Roger try to steal the purse?
How does Mrs. Jones react to Roger's answer?
How does Roger react to Mrs. Jones' saying that
Roger could of just asked her for the money?
What is Roger thinking about here (with the pause)?
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 After Roger frowned, what did Mrs. Jones say?
 How did Mrs. Jones know what Roger was thinking?
Have you ever noticed a look on someone's face and
known what they were thinking? Give an example
from your life
 Now what does Mrs. Jones tell Roger about her life?
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 Why does Mrs. Jones not watch Roger or watch her
purse? Where does Mrs. Jones work? In a beauty shop
 Do you think she is rich?
 Then why did she give Roger $10 to buy shoes?
 What do you think Roger learned from the way Mrs.
Jones treated him?
 How would you like to be treated if you were caught
doing something wrong?
Aim: How can we analyze characterization by reading Langston
Hughes’ short story, “Thank You Ma’am?”
 What advice did Mrs. Jones give Roger?
 What lesson about life does this story teach?
 Make a list of three important events or details that
suggest the story's theme.