Journal Entry #____
Title_____________________
Author__________________
Name_____________________
Date _____________________
Period____________________
CHARACTERIZATION JOURNAL
Indirect Characterization is the way an author reveals the special qualities
and personalities of a character. The author can use one or more of these
four methods of characterization: the character’s words, the character’s
thoughts, the character’s actions, and the opinions or reactions of other
characters.
Write a four paragraph journal using the following
requirements:
Part I
Part II
-
Complete the graphic organizer
Must be typed, double spaced
Paragraph #1
 Include title (underlined) and author in the first sentence
 Give a brief description of the character’s role in the book
 Identify which two methods of characterization you will be writing
about
Paragraph #2
 Provide background information about character or the specific scene
you are describing
 Identify a method of characterization from your book
 Support the method using an example from the book
 Identify traits which are revealed through methods of char.
Paragraph #3
 Provide background information about character or the specific scene
you are describing
 Identify a second/different method of characterization from your
book
 Support the method using an example from the book
 Identify traits which are revealed through methods of char.
Paragraph #4
 Has the author made your character “come alive?” Explain why or why
not
 Write a concluding sentence about the outlook for your character,
whether negative or positive
Sample Journal
“On the Bridge” written by Todd Strasser is the story of two teenage
boys, Seth and Adam who are headed in opposite directions. The author
reveals special qualities and a dominant personality for the protagonist,
Adam. Adam’s words and actions are used to create an effective character.
As the story begins, Seth and Adam are standing on the overpass of a
bridge. Adam is trying to impress Seth with his many exploits. Adam said,
“I beat the crap out of this guy at the mall yesterday.” He continued to say,
“The guy just bugged me, that’s all.” This shows that Adam is a very tough
kid who makes poor choices. Adam’s behavior enabled me to predict that
something bad would happen to him. Later in the story, Adam lifted his hand
in the air as if he was holding an imaginary rock and pretended to throw it
onto the traffic below. He said, “Bet they’re wondering if we’re gonna drop
something on them.” Adam could have caused a serious accident, but he
acted as if it was no big deal. Adam typifies an irresponsible and reckless
teenager.
Adam’s actions on the bridge also caused a major problem. He flicked
a cigarette butt over the side of the bridge down into the traffic below.
Unfortunately, it landed on a black Camaro of three very large young men.
When the men confronted Seth and Adam, Adam immediately pointed at
Seth so that he would have to take the blame. Adam’s cowardly act revealed
that he was not a very loyal friend. This will undoubtedly make it difficult
for him to maintain friendships.
The author made Adam come alive through his actions and words.
Adam was depicted as a very cocky and arrogant teenager. It was easy to
feel sorry for him by the end of the story, because he had to lie in order to
gain friends. Unfortunately for Adam, he made a decision that cost him a
friendship with a person of good character like Seth.