Today’s Goals:
• I will recall the three types of characters.
• I will compare and contrast motives and traits.
• I will identify examples of direct and indirect
characterization.
Key
Vocab:
Character
motives
traits
Characterization
direct
indirect
What are characters?
All stories have characters who are affected by
the plot or setting of a story. They can be...
People,
animals,
or even objects that have human qualities…
TRAITS AND MOTIVES
A motive is a
reason that causes a
character to act in a
particular manner.
A trait is a permanent
quality in a character's
personality.
Characterization
Characterization is the method used by the
author to make a character come alive in a
story or to reveal the character's personality.
Two ways to show
characterization:
1. Direct
2. Indirect
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
• Direct characterization is the method in which
the author directly states what a character is
like.
WHO SAID THIS? ---->
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The method in which the author shows or
dramatizes a character's personality indirectly
by:
– Showing the character acting and speaking
– Revealing the character's inner thoughts
– Revealing what other characters think about the
character or relate to him or her
The author allows you, the reader, to draw your
own conclusions about the character.
Independent
reading
You will earn 15 points today for:
- Having your own AR book
- Reading independently without
distracting or disturbing others
- Writing a response about your main
character afterwards
Sit an arm’s length away from anyone
else today. You will be split up if you
aren’t.
BRAINSTORM
& JOURNAL
Describe the traits of the
protagonist in your AR
book. Then describe
what motivates this
character to act a certain
way. Use specific textual
details to support your
answer, and cite any
page numbers you use
like this (Lowry 22).
HOLD ON! DO YOU HAVE…
 A clear topic sentence that
restates the prompt?
 Organized details that aren’t
off topic?
 Sentences that SHOW VIVID
DETAIL?!!!! Put a picture in
my head!!!
 A powerful conclusion? No
repetition! Start with a
transitional word!
 Outstanding spelling,
capitalization, and
punctuation?
Let’s share our writing.
The group member with the
shortest hair will go first.
Be prepared
to repeat what
someone else
read to you.
Read the following examples of characterization. Decide which one
is an example of direct characterization and which one is an
example of indirect characterization. Move each box to see if you
are right.
Direct: The author comes right out and tells you that Jamie is a very
cheerful, happy person.
Indirect: We can tell that Jamie is a happy, cheerful person because the
author tells you that Ashley begins to smile even before Jamie gets
near her. She also says that everyone smiles or laughs when Jamie
joins them and tells Thomas that if she were unhappy, she would try to
find Jamie.
In a group of two, grab a white board and marker and
come up with an example of direct characterization and
indirect characterization using a character from a movie
or television show. Here’s an example:
At the sight of the sea monster
coming for him, Scooby screamed
and jumped into Shaggy's arms
and they fled as fast as they could
out of the marina.
Velma is very intelligent. She
uses calm observations and
clues to solve mysteries.
KEEP THESE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE!
EXAMPLES
WHAT DO WE DO NOW?
1. Read the instructions at the bottom of your
“characterization” note taker. This is due in 15
minutes.
2. When finished with everything, return quietly to
your seat and continue quizzing a partner. THERE
WILL BE A QUIZ NEXT WEEK, SO STUDY, BUDDY!
Jonas
Asher
1.
1.
2.
2.
1.
1.
2.
2.
Direct
Characterizations
Indirect
Characterizations
REVIEW
Define each of the following, or
give an example from The Giver:
• Trait
• Motive
• Direct characterization
• Indirect characterization
Period 1 – Kindness Day #9
1. There are 5 post it notes on your
desk, one for each of my classes.
2. Write a friendly note to the next
student who will sit at your desk.
3. Leave the notes in the corner of
your desk– they are meant for the
next class.
Today’s Goals:
• I will define and identify dynamic and static
character types in films and real life.
• I will compare and contrast dynamic and static
people I know.
Key Vocab:
Characterization
Dynamic
Static
Warm up:
1. Take out The Giver and
open to page 80.
2. Complete the
“bellwork” section at
the top of your note
taker.
TYPES OF CHARACTERS
DYNAMIC
In the beginning of the
story, he works purely for
MONEY. By the end of the
story, however, he
unselfishly returns to
help the Rebels destroy
the Death Star. He
changes throughout the
story.
STATIC
Luke is "static" or
unchanging. He starts
out as a pure-hearted
hero and never changes.
Dynamic Characters
Dynamic characters are considered "dynamic"
because:
• They undergo some type of important change in
personality or attitude during the course of the
story.
• This change takes place within
the character.
STATIC CHARACTERS
• Static characters are considered "static"
because they do not change or develop
beyond the way in which he or she was first
presented in the story.
Characters can also be a/an...
Protagonist - a hero or heroine who is
the central character and who engages
the reader's interest.
Antagonist - the character that stands
directly opposed to the protagonist
and gives rise to the conflict of the
story.
NAME THE PROTAGONIST (HERO) AND
ANTAGONIST (VILLAIN) OF THESE FILMS.
NOW NAME A DYNAMIC AND STATIC CHARACTER FROM
AT LEAST TWO OF THESE FILMS.
Exit Ticket
1. To the best of your
knowledge, describe a dynamic
character in The Giver. How
do you know?
2. Describe a static character in
the novel. How do you
know?
INDEPENDENT
READING
You will earn 15 points today for:
- Having your own AR book
- Reading independently without
disturbing others
- Responding to the review afterwards
AR points Due
in Less than
one month
Review – Answer
in your journal
1. Compare a new experience that you
enjoyed to Jonas’s first experience of
snow.
2. Based on The Giver’s comments,
measure the age of the community.
3. Distinguish between honor and power
as they refer to The Giver’s position
in the community.
Today’s Goals:
• I will define and identify round and flat
character types in films and real life.
• I will analyze a character in The Giver by
breaking down the way the author indirectly
characterizes him.
Key Vocab:
Characterization
Round Character
Flat Character
Warm up:
Complete the
“bellwork” section at
the top of your note
taker.
Character
types
FLAT
ROUND
What are their traits?
In Finding Nemo,
Marlin is a round
character - he starts
out very brave, but
he changes his
perspective after an
unfortunate
incident; later, he
changes his
perspective again.
In Finding Nemo, Bruce
the shark could be a flat
character - he is not
around very long, and
we don't really
understand why he does
what he does. His
motivations are very
simple - when he gets
hungry, he tries to eat.
He only changes a little.
FLAT
CHARACTERS
Flat characters are considered "flat"
because
• Their personalities never fully
develop
• The purpose of flat characters is to
highlight the development of round
characters.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF FLAT
CHARACTERS
• Characterized by an easily identifiable
single dominant trait such as "honest"
or "side kick.”
• Completely predictable and remain
same throughout story.
• Reader seldom knows about their
feelings or motives.
• Tend to be static since their
personalities do not develop.
• Things may happen to a static
character, but nothing happens within
the character.
Round
Characters
These characters are considered "round"
because:
• His or her traits are fully described, are
true-to-life and have a convincing
personality.
• His or her motives are
understood by the reader.
•
•
•
•
•
•
OTHER
CHARACTERISTICS OF
ROUND CHARACTERS
Described like real, living men, or women
Display many different aspects to his or her
character and can't be described in a few
phrases or sentences
Main characters usually round characters
Also known as dynamic characters
Often have hidden qualities that surprise
the reader
Usually go through a noticeable change
from the beginning of the story to the end
Your Task
We will contrast:
• A dynamic and static character
• A round and flat character
With your Minden Park partner, complete
the front of the worksheet. Be prepared
to share.
Exit ticket
(on the back of
your lined paper
from earlier)
Define:
• Direct Characterization
• Indirect Characterization
• Dynamic Character
• Static Character
• Round Character
• Flat Character
A world without
color
In the film Pleasantville, the protagonist
enters an old black & white television
show. As he begins to expose people in the
show to literature, art, and other ideas,
their world begins to change to color. In
this clip, Bud is on trial along with another
man for painting a colored picture on a
wall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fCMTQXz
oXo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
YMAqmYE53wE&feature=related
Journal:
Choose one to write about:
1. In Pleasantville, certain people are
turning color. Explain the deeper
meaning behind this– why do they
change color, and how does this
represent (or symbolize about) their
beliefs or ideas?
2. In The Giver, Jonas is able to see color,
whereas everyone else cannot. How does
his ability to see color represent (or
symbolize) his beliefs or ideas?
CHARACTERIZATION:
Bruce Wayne, Batman, Dark Knight
Method
Example
Physical
Description
An intelligent billionaire trained in martial arts with brown hair, average build and
quiet demeanor. He always wears suits during the day.
Character’s
Thoughts
Overcame the fear of bats and is constantly haunted by the tragic death of his
parents. His ability to outthink criminals makes him successful in catching
and bringing them to justice. He does not believe he is the law, simply a vigilante
helping to rid Gotham of crime.
What other
characters
think of him
The naive and ignorant believe Bruce is a simply a spoiled billionaire who lives a
life of ease. However, those who know Bruce as Batman and his motives respect
and help him in the ways that they can.
Direct
comments
about the
character
Bruce Wayne is loaded. Batman is courageous, daring, strong-willed and
tough. Bruce Wayne is mysterious, quiet, intelligent and driven.
Let's analyze a character together as a class. To
make it easier, each group will take one section,
using the whiteboards.
Method
Physical
Description
Character’s
Thoughts
What other
characters
think of him
Direct
comments
about the
character
Example: Jonas
Objectives:
• I will analyze how dialogue or events in a
story create action and reveal character traits.
• I will cite the textual evidence to support my
ideas.
Vocab:
• Dialogue
• Character traits
YOUR TASK
Outline the shape of a head onto poster paper and
then use the following guidelines to creatively fill in
Jonas’ “mind.”
• Two symbols that represent the character (these should be
something you create—similar to how a symbol is used on a flag
or crest, rather than a sled to represent Jonas).
• One quote (and a page number) from Jonas that reveals
something about his inner thoughts or motives.
• One quote (and a page number) from the text that reveals
something about Jonas’ character traits.
• Three interesting adjectives that describe Jonas.
• Two original sentences about: (1) How the character is in
conflict with his surroundings (including the people he talks to).
(2) How the character changes as a result of interacting with his
surroundings.
Two symbols that represent the character
(these should be something you create—
similar to how a symbol is used on a flag
or crest, rather than a sled to represent
Jonas).
One quote (and a page number) from
Jonas that reveals something about his
inner thoughts or motives.
One quote (and a page number) from the
text that reveals something about Jonas’
character traits.
Three interesting adjectives that describe
Jonas.
Two original sentences about: (1) How the
character is in conflict with his
surroundings (including the people he
talks to). (2) How the character changes as
a result of interacting with his
surroundings.
Brainstorm
& Journal
The Giver tells Jonas that he is
weighted down with the memories.
The burden is lessened when he
transmits memories to Jonas.
Recall a time when you were
weighted down with something – a
secret, something you felt guilty,
sad, or worried about. How were
you able to remove the burden?
When you are finished, please begin
working on your mind mirror.
Wednesday
Today (get started
right away):
• Finish mind
mirror.
• Finish visual
reading log.
• Begin creating
vocab cards for
characterization
quiz after break.
Due Mon. 11/26:
• Read Chapter 17
• Respond to your
reading by posting a
comment on my
website.
• It must be 5
sentences, or it won’t
count for credit.
Due Dec. 6:
• Visual Reading Log.
Each chapter is worth
5 points, so be sure
your main idea is
correct.
On your mind mirror, draw (create) a conclusion about Jonas and share
it in writing on the back. That means, come up with an opinion or idea
about who Jonas is on your own (without the author directly telling
you).
In the novel The Giver, Jonas is characterized as ______________
because _____________________. The author portrays Jonas as a
_______________ character. Evidence of this can be seen in dialogue
______________________________. This shows...
Example:
In the short story "After Twenty Years," Bob is characterized as
a loyal, determined man since he worked hard in the west to become
wealthy and travelled so far to meet Jimmy in the pouring rain, at
night. Also, the author portrays Bob as a polite, egocentric character.
Evidence of this can be seen in dialogue with the policeman (Jimmy),
where he referred to him as "officer" and "sir". Bob is egocentric
(self- centered) as he talks to the plainclothes man, who he believes
to be Jimmy, about the last twenty years of his life.
Journal
Choose one of these prompts to respond to:
1. Describe a favorite memory that you
associate with another person.
2. If you could only see the world in one color,
what color would it be? Explain why.
Take out your
homework– the
graphic organizer for
chapters 14 & 15.
Warm up
• Edit the two paragraphs
at your desk. There are
18 total corrections.
• Write down the homework
in your planner, which will
be checked later.
• Complete Ch. 17 on your
visual reading log.
Ch. 18
• Page 139– turn and
make a prediction about
the chapter with your
group based on the first
few sentences.
Ch. 19
1. Read Chapters 18 & 19.
2. Complete Ch. 17, 18, & 19
of your visual reading log.
3. Create vocabulary cards.
4. Take turns quizzing your
partner on the vocab. We will
have a quiz next class, so the
more you repeat the words,
the better prepared you’ll be.
Open up The
giver to p.163
1. Predict how The Giver will
be resolved and explain how
you know.
2. Exit Ticket – Write your
reaction to the end of the
novel. Post it to the yellow
side of the doors on your
way out.
3. INITIAL IT with your period
#! Such as C.S. 2
Your task
Take turns reading Chapters 22 & 23
with your group.
Student
Student
Student
Student
#1:
#2:
#3:
#4:
Ask test questions about the reading.
Summarize each page aloud.
Clarify unknown words as you read.
Make predictions about the reading.
*** Be ready to share what you discussed as a group.
Vocab. cards
When your group is finished, begin creating
vocabulary cards to study for your
characterization quiz. Study your cards
with someone in your group when finished.
You must make cards for:
• direct characterization
• indirect characterization
• dynamic character
• static character
• round character
• flat character
There will be a quiz!
1.Exit Ticket – Write your
reaction to the end of the novel.
Post it to the yellow side of the
doors on your way out.
2.INITIAL IT with your period #!
Such as C.S. 2
3. Finish characterization cards
and study them.
4. Finish visual reading log.
HOMEWORK
• AR Points due next Friday!
• Visual Reading Log Due
tomorrow!
• Extra Credit: Post about
what happened to the
twins on website.