Year 8 · English · Literature
Characterisation
Analyse how authors build characters through direct description and indirect methods such as speech, actions, thoughts and other characters' reactions.
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Learning goals
Learners will
- Distinguish between direct and indirect characterisation.
- Analyse how speech, actions, thoughts and appearance reveal a character's traits.
Success looks like
- I can explain the difference between direct and indirect characterisation.
- I can infer a character trait from evidence and support it with a quotation.
- I can use precise adjectives to describe a character's personality.
The big idea
Authors build characters deliberately. Direct characterisation tells us: 'Mr Lowe was a mean old man.' Indirect characterisation shows us, so we must infer: 'Mr Lowe kicked the ball back over the fence – straight into the dam.'
A helpful memory tool is STEAL:
- Speech – what the character says and how they say it.
- Thoughts – what goes on in their head.
- Effect on others – how other characters react to them.
- Actions – what they do, especially under pressure.
- Looks – appearance, clothing, body language.
Indirect characterisation is usually more engaging because readers do the detective work. When you analyse, name the trait with a precise adjective (not just 'nice' or 'mean'), quote the evidence, then explain the inference.
Worked examples
Inferring a trait from actions and speech
Original extract: 'Priya glanced at the last lamington, then slid the plate towards her little brother. "I'm not even hungry," she said, though her stomach growled.' What trait is revealed and how?
- Identify the method: actions (sliding the plate) and speech ('I'm not even hungry').
- Notice the contrast: her stomach growls, so she is hungry and her words are a kind lie.
- Choose a precise trait: selfless or generous.
- Explain: she gives up something she wants to make her brother happy, and hides her own need.
Answer: Priya is shown to be selfless through indirect characterisation: she gives away the last lamington and claims she is 'not even hungry' even though 'her stomach growled', revealing that she puts her brother's happiness ahead of her own.
Effect on others
Original extract: 'When Coach Ruiz walked into the change room, the chatter stopped instantly and every player sat up straighter.' What does this suggest about the coach?
- Identify the method: effect on others.
- Note the reactions: silence and improved posture.
- Infer: the players respect, or possibly fear, the coach.
Answer: The players' sudden silence and straightened posture suggest Coach Ruiz is commanding and respected, shown through his effect on others rather than direct description.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
'Theo was the most impatient boy in Year 8.' This is…
Direct characterisation — The trait is stated outright.
'Grace tapped her foot, sighed loudly and checked her phone for the fifth time.' Which trait is most strongly suggested?
Impatient — Her repeated actions show she does not like waiting.
In STEAL, what does the 'E' stand for?
Effect on others — STEAL = Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks.
Why do many authors prefer indirect characterisation?
It lets readers infer traits, which is more engaging. — Readers become active detectives, which makes characters feel real.
Which adjective is the most precise way to describe a character who always tells the truth even when it costs them?
Honest — 'Honest' names the specific trait; the others are vague.
What is the word for working out something that is suggested rather than stated? (one word)
Infer — Readers infer traits from clues in indirect characterisation.
What is a single quality of a character's personality called? (one word)
Trait — A trait is a personality quality like brave or selfish.
'Jonah's hands shook as he lied.' Which STEAL method is used: speech, thoughts, actions or looks? (one word)
Actions — His shaking hands are a physical action that reveals his guilt or nerves.
Watch out for
- Describing a character only by appearance. Looks matter, but personality is revealed mostly through speech, actions and thoughts.
- Using vague adjectives such as 'nice' or 'bad'. Encourage a bank of precise trait words.
- Assuming what a character says is always true. Characters may lie or hide feelings, which is itself characterisation.
Tips for parents
- While watching a film together, pause and ask, 'What did that action tell us about her?'
- Build a shared list of 30 precise trait adjectives on the fridge.
- Ask your learner to describe a family member using only indirect characterisation, and guess the trait.
Go further
- Create a STEAL character map for a main character in your current novel with a quotation for each letter.
- Write a 200-word scene introducing a new character using only indirect characterisation; have someone guess three traits.
- Track how a character changes across a book and write a paragraph on what causes the change.