Student Guide: The Art of Characterization
Topic: Bringing Characters to Life
Characterization is the process an author uses to reveal the personality of a character. There
are two ways to do this: Directly (telling the reader) and Indirectly (showing the reader
through clues).
1. Direct vs. Indirect Characterization
Type Definition Example
The author plainly states a "Aditi was a kind and generous
Direct
character's traits. person."
The author shows traits "Aditi spent her last five dollars buying
Indirect through actions, speech, or a sandwich for the shivering man on the
thoughts. corner."
The "Golden Rule": Strong writers use more Indirect Characterization because it allows
the reader to be a "detective" and figure out the character for themselves.
2. The STEAL Method
To master indirect characterization, use the STEAL mnemonic. Every time you read or write,
look for these five clues:
• S - Speech: What does the character say? How do they speak? (Do they use slang?
Are they polite? Do they stutter when nervous?)
• T - Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
(Often, a character thinks one thing but says another!)
• E - Effect on Others: How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to this
person? (Do they move away in fear? Do they smile when the character enters the
room?)
• A - Actions: What does the character do? How do they behave? (Do they walk with
their head down? Do they slam doors?)
• L - Looks: What is the character’s appearance, clothing, and body language? (A
messy uniform might suggest a disorganized mind; a sharp suit might suggest power.)
3. Types of Characters
As you develop your story, you will usually include these different "types" of people:
• Protagonist: The main character (often the "hero") who faces the main conflict.
• Antagonist: The person or force that opposes the protagonist.
• Static Character: Someone who does not change throughout the story (e.g., a
grumpy neighbor who stays grumpy).
• Dynamic Character: Someone who undergoes an internal change (e.g., a coward
who learns to be brave).
• Flat vs. Round: * Flat: One-dimensional (we only know one thing about them).
o Round: Complex with many different traits, both good and bad.
4. "Show, Don't Tell" Workshop
To improve your narrative writing, replace "Label Words" with "Action Sentences."
• Don't Tell: The boy was very angry.
• Do Show: Leo’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, and his knuckles went white as
he gripped the edge of the table.
• Don't Tell: She was a messy person.
• Do Show: Maya navigated the obstacle course of old pizza boxes and crumpled
sketches that covered her bedroom floor.
5. Character Checklist
When creating a character, ask yourself:
1. What is their goal? (What do they want?)
2. What is their flaw? (What makes them human/imperfect?)
3. How do they react under pressure?
4. What is one unique physical habit they have? (e.g., biting their nails, humming when
bored).