Transcript Characterization in The Great Gatsby

Characterization in
The Great Gatsby
Characterization is…
• …the process by which the writer reveals the
personality of a character.
• Two types:
– direct characterization: tells audience what the
personality of a character is
– indirect characterization: shows things that reveal
the personality of a character
• “STEAL” method
STEAL Method
• S=Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?
“He went to Oggsford College in England. You know Oggsford
College?” (76).
• T=Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts
and feelings?
“Suddenly I wasn’t thinking of Daisy and Gatsby any more but of this
hard, limited person who dealt in universal skepticism and who
leaned back jauntily just within the circle of my arm.” (84)
• E=Effect on others toward the character: What is revealed through the
character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or
behave in reaction to the character?
“’You’re acting like a little boy…not only that, but you’re rude.
Daisy’s sitting in there all alone.”’(93) – Daisy’s effect on Gatsby
STEAL Method Cont’d…
• A=Actions: What does the character do? How
does the character behave?
“I want to see you…get on the next train,”
(30).
• L=Looks: What does the character look like? How
does the character dress?
“Two shining, arrogant eyes had
established dominance over his face…”(11).
Daisy Buchanan
Tom Buchanan
Gatsby
Choose a character:
Meyer Wolfsheim
Jordan Baker
Nick Carraway
Myrtle Wilson