In almost all stories, it is the characters who move the action along. When you write a narrative, the way you present your characters allows readers to get to know them, and to become interested in what they are doing in the story. Read how one writer developed a character named Jon.
| Jon didn't care what he looked like, as proven by his dirty, torn jeans and sloppy shirt. | what the author says directly about the character |
| Jon pulled on his dirty, torn jeans and sloppy shirt for the fifth day in a row. | what the character does |
| "It doesn't matter what I look like," Jon said. "She won't like me anyway." | what the character says |
| "Jon is so gross," Gina giggled. "Look at those dirty clothes! He's disgusting!" | what others say about the character |
Now you try it. Each of the following flashcards contains a sentence from a narrative. See if you can tell which characterization technique is being used on each card. Then click the card to check your answer.
Which Technique Is Used Here?
Min didn't like riding horses, but she did like to make her little brother Ben happy, so she agreed to go.
what the author says directly about the character
Which Technique Is Used Here?
Noticing her father had fallen asleep on the couch, Bette shut off the TV and tiptoed out of the room.
what the character does
Which Technique Is Used Here?
"I swear, that kid's obsession with astronomy is driving me crazy!"
what others say about the character
Which Technique Is Used Here?
"I don't have a lot of time, but I really want to help you if I can."
what the character says
Summary
Correct:
Incorrect:
