Transcript MDG Direct and Indirect Characterization

Characterization
MDG: Part 2
Bell Ringer
• In 3-5 sentences, describe the most
important person in your life.
Agenda
• Bell Ringer
• Skill focus: Direct/Indirect
Characterization (notes)
• Post-it note activity
• Finish reading MDG
• “Dear Abby” Exit Slip
Common Core Standard


RL.9-10.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to
support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from
the text.

BIG IDEA: CHARACTERIZATION
Direct
Characterization
• DEFINITION: when an author TELLS us
straight up about a character.
• EXAMPLE: Jessica is a caring and
selfless person. .... (the author TELLS us
she is caring and selfless!)
Indirect
Characterization
• DEFINITION:
when an author SHOWS
us information about a character so that
we (the readers) must make an
INFERENCE
• EXAMPLE: Jessica volunteers at the
homeless shelter every night after school
to help those in need... (the author
SHOWS us she is caring and selfless
through her actions!)
There are several ways we can
find out information about a
character...
• S - what the person SAYS or the language they
use
• T - what that person THINKS or the beliefs they
hold
• E - the person’s EFFECT on others
• A - the person’s ACTIONS...what they do and
how they do it
• L - the person’s LOOKS or appearance
Let’s Practice

On your paper are some passages from famous
texts. You must read this and decide if it is
DIRECT or INDIRECT characterization. In other
words, decide if the writer is showing (indirect)
or telling (direct) us information about the
character.

Then determine if it is and example of S, T, E,
A, or L.
The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien

All that the unsuspecting Bilbo saw that
morning was an old man with a staff. He had
a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a
silver scarf over which his long white beard
hung down below his waist, and immense
black boots.


Is the author telling or showing?
S? T? E? A? L?
The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien

The poor little hobbit sat down in the halo
and put his head in his hands, and wondered
what had happened and what was going got
happen, and whether they would all stay for
supper.


Is the author telling or showing?
S? T? E? A? L?
Post-It Practice
• Each of you should receive TWO post-it notes.
• Around the room are photos of people
• You must write a DIRECT characterization on
one post-it and an INDIRECT characterization
on the other. (Both post-its do NOT have to be
for the same photo!!)
• When you finish, go to the photo(s) and stick the
post-its below or around it
• Then go back to your seat as quickly as possible
so we can discuss!
Finish “MDG” pg. 26-34
• Reading questions
– 1. How does Rainsford happen to arrive on the island?
– 2. What does Zaroff say he has become bored with?
– 3. What species has Zaroff now chosen as his prey?
– 4. What are the terms of the game?
– 5. Explain ONE way Rainsford tries to escape or
outwit Zaroff.
– 6. How does Rainsford finally escape from Zaroff?
Exit Slip
• On your exit slip handout, we will read
the “Dear Abby” letter sample together
and discuss. Annotate for
direct/indirect characterization!
• Then read “Your Task” and complete
the prompt, assuming the persona of
either Rainsford or Zaroff.
IF TIME:
• Pass letters out at random so students
can respond and give advice, using
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION