Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Period: ____
Characterization
Characterization is the way an author shows what the characters are like
One way to remember all the different characterization techniques authors use is the acronym
STEAL.
Authors show what characters are like by describing their….
Speech — what the character says out loud or the way he/she speaks
Thoughts — what the character thinks—things other characters can’t hear
Effects on others — what other characters think or how they feel about the character, how
they react to him/her
Actions — what the character does
Looks — descriptions of the character’s face, body, clothes, etc.
Always remember to think:
1. Why is the author telling me this?
2. What does this mean about the character?
For example, in The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, one of the Cat’s actions is to balance seven objects
on top of each other while standing on a ball.
What is the effect of this characterization? What do you know about the Cat?
He is irresponsible and dangerous. He doesn’t think very carefully about the consequences
of his actions. He doesn’t care about rules or safety.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Period: ____
To Kill a Mockingbird Characterization Project
Choose ONE (1) of the characters below:
Scout
Jem
Calpurnia
Dill
Atticus
Bob Ewell
Aunt Alexandra
Tom Robinson
Choose ONE (1) of the options below:
Collage
Create a collage that represents one of the characters in
the novel. Your collage may consist of pictures, images, and words
that describe the character. You must include a summary, roughly
one paragraph, explaining your collage and why you chose these
images. You should consider all of the elements of
characterization (STEAL) when making your collage.
Soundtrack
Create a soundtrack that represents one of the characters
in the novel. Your soundtrack should consist of 8-10 songs that
describe the character. Though you do not have to burn a CD, you
should create a playlist that lists the song title and artist; you
must also have a 1-2 sentence summary of why you chose the
song. You should consider all of the elements of characterization (STEAL) when making your
collage.
Facebook page
Create a Facebook page that represents one of the characters in the novel. Your page should
NOT be created on the web, but you should make a word document or poster that reflects what a
Facebook page looks like. Your page should include a profile picture, an “About Me” section, a list of
“likes,” and finally 1-2 status updates.
Grading Scale
+
30 pts. – Content
20 pts. – Organization
10 pts – Creativity
10 pts – Neatness
70 pts – Total
Does your product adequately represent your character?
Did you consider all elements of characterization? – STEAL
This project will count as your first test grade, so please
take it seriously.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Period: ____
Planning and Brainstorming
Due: Friday, September 21st
Type of Characterization
Example
Explanation/Effect
Speech
Thoughts
Effects on others
Actions
Looks
Sample: Arthur “Boo” Radley
Characterization
Example
We haven’t heard Boo
talk yet, and we haven’t
even met him.
Explanation/Effect
He is very mysterious. His absence makes me, as a
reader, apprehensive (or concerned) about when
the kids finally meet this “phantom.”
Thoughts
We don’t know any of
Boo’s thoughts, because
we haven’t met him yet.
Scout is the narrator, so we only get to see things
through her eyes. Scout doesn’t know much about
Boo, which adds to the myths and intrigue.
Effects of others
Dill, Jem, and Scout try
to communicate with
him.
Jem trying to run up to the house adds suspense to
the story. Their interest makes me want to know
more.
The kids are fascinated by Boo, but Atticus forbids
them from playing this game. It makes me think
that Atticus knows more about Arthur than Scout,
the narrator, is telling us.
These stories portray Boo as dangerous. He is a
person who hurts other people and creatures. He is
a menace!
Jem describes Boo early in the novel. He makes him
seem like someone from an urban legend. His
appearance is grotesque, which fits his crimes.
Speech
Dill, Jem, and Scout play
the impersonation game
Actions
Looks
Stabs dad with scissors
Eats animals
Creates havoc in town
Tall, scar on his face,
dried blood