Authors Reveal

Characters in Five Ways

#1 Direct Description by the Author

• Portions of narrated text reveal things about the characters in the story

• What the author tells us about the character is important

The witch to the right of Fudge leaned forward so that Harry saw her for the first time.

He thought she looked just like a large, pale toad. She was rather squat with a broad, flabby face, as little neck as Uncle Vernon, and a very wide, slack mouth. Her eyes were large, round, and slightly bulging. Even the little black velvet bow perched on top of her short curly hair put him in mind of a large fly she was about to catch on a long sticky tongue.

Ready to See How the Illustrator Pictured Her?????

#2 Character’s Words and

Actions• What the character does

in the story and things that he/she may say to others.

• We learn about people through their actions and what they say!

“Has everybody got a copy of the textbook?”

No one answered.“I think we’ll try that again,” said

Professor Umbridge. “When I ask a question, I should like you to reply ‘Yes, Professor Umbridge,’ or ‘No, Professor Umbridge.’ So has everyone got a copy of the textook?”

“Yes, Professor Umbridge,” rang through the room.

“Good,” said Professor Umbridge. “Turn to page five and read chapter one. There will be no need to talk.

#3 Character’s Thoughts and Feelings

• How the character feels about certain things or events

• The character’s thoughts

“Mr. Potter, the Dark Lord has NOT returned from the dead and anyone who says that he has is perpetuating lies. I will not have it. Tell me at once who is saying such things and they will be punished accordingly. We are all perfectly safe,” she said smugly. It was clear that her intention was to deceive the wizarding world into believing that Voldemort was not on the verge of attacking and that she was thrilled to have the opportunity to brainwash as many wizards as possible.

#4 What Other Characters Say About the Character

• The way the character is described by other characters in the story

Positive or Negative comments????

“Professor Umbridge is an evil old bat who only cares about pretending that Voldemort hasn’t returned with a plot to kill us all,” exclaimed Harry.

#5 How Other Characters Interact With the Character

• How do other characters

treat him/her in the story?

As Professor Umbridge entered the room, the students rolled their eyes and muttered unhappily under their breath. “Good Afternoon Professor Umbridge,” they exhaled miserably.

Can You List the 5 Ways Characters Are Revealed?

• Direct Description

• Character’s Words and Actions

• Character’s Thoughts and Feelings

• The Way the Character Is Described By Other Characters In the Story

• How Other Characters Interact With the Character