“The Scarlet Ibis”
Methods of Characterization
Name: __________________________________________
Points:_________/20
Directions: Fill in the following chart according to the methods of
characterization you have learned. NOTE: THE METHODS LISTED ARE
DIFFERENT FOR DOODLE AND BROTHER! Be sure to complete all five methods
for each character. Be sure to use complete sentences!
BROTHER
Method of Characterization
Actions
Dialogue
Other’s Reactions
Thoughts
Opinions
Example from Text
Inference about Character
DOODLE
Method of Characterization
Physical Description
Actions
Dialogue
Other’s Reactions
Attitudes
Example from Text
Inference about Character
“The Scarlet Ibis”
Mood
Read the following passages and discuss the mood evoked by each passage. For
each passage, write a paragraph that states when this passage took place in the
story and give specific reasons for why you chose the mood that you did.
“The last graveyard flowers were blooming and their smell drifted across the cotton
field and through every room of our house speaking softly the names of our dead.”
“I lifted him out and set him down on the soft rubber grass beside a tall pine. His
eyes were round with wonder as he gazed about him, and his little hands began to
stroke the rubber grass. And he began to cry.”
“Doodle walked slowly across the room and sat down at his place at the table. Then
momma began to cry and ran over to him hugging him and kidding him. Daddy
hugged him too. So I went over to Aunt Nicey who was thanks-praying in the
doorway and began to waltz around.”
“The Scarlet Ibis” Symbolism Worksheet
Directions: Please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. List three ways in which Doodle and the scarlet ibis are alike while they are
alive. (6 points)
2. List three ways in which Doodle and the scarlet ibis resemble each other in
death. (6 points)
3. Discuss the season, the time of day, and the weather when Doodle dies and
its symbolic significance. (3 points)
4. What colors other than red are emphasized in the story? What significance
are these colors given? (3 points)