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