Literary Elements

Inferences

• Authors do not always tell us everything, but you can find out more about the story by using what we already know.

• An inference is a logical assumption about something that is not stated directly in the text.– We combine details the author provides AND our

own knowledge to make these assumptions.– This is how we understand what the author does not

state directly.

Open up your Literature Notebook to your Table of Contents

Page Title

1 Genres of Fiction

2 Story Vocabulary

3 Plot Structure

4 Inferences

5 Characterization

6 Character Traits

Characterization

I. Characterization is the way authors develop a character to reveal their traits or qualities.

A. An author can do this in two ways: 1. Direct characterization

a. The author tells you straightforward statements about a character.

b. Ex: “Ron is honest.”

2. Indirect characterizationa. The author uses the character’s thoughts, words, actions, and

feelings and reveal what others say and think about that character.

b. Ex: “Ron is honest,” Julia told Sam.

Indirect characterization

The author uses:

The character’s thoughts

The character’s words/dialogue

The character’s actions

The character’s feelings

Paste the man into your notes.Draw and copy down the word bubbles into your notes.

A Character’s Thoughts

A Character’s Thoughts

A Character’s Words/Dialogue

A Character’s Thoughts

A Character’s Words/Dialogue

A Character’s Actions

A Character’s Thoughts

A Character’s Words/Dialogue

A Character’s Actions

A Character’s Feelings

A Character’s Thoughts

A Character’s Words/Dialogue

A Character’s Actions

A Character’s Feelings

What other character’s say about them