Characterization Test
1. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
2. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
3. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
4. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
5. I’m at home! My mom has a broken wrist and I feel sorry for her, so I do everything she asks. Even the most ridiculous things like brushing her hair.
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
6. Shelly, she is a bully! She’s bad, mean, everything that is not good! If she sees little kids playing, she’ll go over there and pick on them. She doesn’t care what happens to them. She throws pencils at people from the back of the room, and talks about everyone!
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
7. I am such a hero! Yesterday, I saved a kitten from falling from a tree, wasn’t that so brave of me? The day before, I gave a kid some lunch money because a bully stole all of his. That was a brave thing of me to do, considering the bully was 6ft tall and huge! If it weren’t for me, people everywhere would be in danger!
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
8. Susan loved animals, especially dogs! Every week she looked forward to her Saturdays when she volunteered at the animal shelter. Her favorite dogs are golden retrievers; she has one named Daisy. She is always responsible also! She never forgets to feed, water, and walk Daisy everyday.
A. indirect/antagonist
B. direct/antagonist
C. indirect/protagonist
D. direct/protagonist
9. The evil stepsisters call her CinderWitch. – Cinderella. The evil stepsisters are what?
A. antagonist/indirect
B. protagonist/direct
C. antagonist/direct
D. protagonist/indirect
10. What are things that are unique to a character called?
A. character traits
B. protagonist
C. direct characterization
D. indirect characterization
What does this reveal about the characters?
11. I have light brown, almost red hair and greenish-gray eyes; my hair is longer than most the other boys at my school. Ponyboy from The Outsiders.
A. He wants to look like a girl
B. He’s Irish
C. He fits in with the gang that he hangs out with.
D. He doesn’t like going to the barber.
12. The princess threw a perfectly awful fit.
A. She was angry.
B. She was happy.
C. She wanted the prince to leave her alone.
D. She wanted to run away.
13. He walked home, wishing he had company.
A. He likes to be all alone.
B. He doesn’t like to be alone.
C. He is scared.
D. He misses his brother.
14. She washed clothes, scrubbed floors, and picked up after her step sisters.
A. She hated her life.
B. She liked her life.
C. She was in love.
D. She was a hard-worker.
15. “Sometimes I think we would have both been better off if you were still a frog!” The princess says to the prince.
A. The princess is in love with a frog.
B. The princess is not happy with the prince.
C. The princess doesn’t like frogs.
D. The princess is wishing she was a frog.
Open Response: 25 Points Do not forget the Do What Method!
The writers of both “Seventh Grade” and “Stolen Day” use direct and indirect characterization to create and develop characters. In an essay, define direct characterization and indirect characterization. Then, answer these questions for either “Seventh Grade” or “Stolen Day”: Other than the main character, which character does the writer develop? Chose one minor character and tell how the writer uses indirect characterization to describe him or her.
Answer Key:
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. C
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. D
9. A
10. A
11. C
12. A
13. B
14. D
15. B
Characterization Quiz
Bob was a selfish boy and quite a bully.
1. The above is an example of what type of characterization?
A. Indirect
B. Direct
2. Bob is an example of what type of character?
A. Protagonist
B. Antagonist
3. Why is Bob an example of this type of character (antagonist/protagonist)?
A. he participates in activities that are considered bad like bullying.
B. he participate in good activities such as being selfish.
C. the author directly states his personality
D. the author shows his personality through his actions
Susan loved animals, especially dogs! Every week she looked forward to her Saturdays when she volunteered at the animal shelter. She is always responsible also! She never forgets to feed, water, and walk Daisy everyday.
4. The above is an example of what type of characterization?
A. indirect
B. direct
5. Susan is an example of what type of character?
A. protagonist
B. antagonist
6. How do you know the above is direct/indirect characterization?
A. because Susan does good things like volunteer.
B. because the author describes her personality through what other people say about her.
C. because Susan is a bad character who opposes the main character
D. because the author directly states the characters personality.
7. Which is an example of direct characterization?
A. I feel sorry for my brother because he always gets in trouble.
B. The first time I met that girl, I knew she was the one. She is beautiful!
C. The mean bully tried to distract the teacher.
D. None of the above
8. Which is an example of indirect characterization?
A. I hate doing chores every day when I get home.
B. “She is so easy to understand,” said Allan
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Even though Sarah had already had one cookie, she stole 5 more from the other kids in the class.
9. Why is the above an example of indirect characterization?
A. The author directly states Sarah’s personality.
B. The author does not directly state Sarah’s personality.
C. The author describes Sarah’s actions.
D. Both B and C
10. Which would be an example of direct characterization to describe Sarah?
A. Sarah is very nice.
B. Sarah is mean.
C. Sarah shouldn’t steal from people.
D. All of the above