Success Homeschool

Year 9 English · Characterisation

Name: ______________________

Date: ____________

1. 'Theo was the most impatient boy in Year 8.' This is…
- ☐ (a) Indirect characterisation
- ☐ (b) Direct characterisation
- ☐ (c) A simile
- ☐ (d) Setting
2. 'Grace tapped her foot, sighed loudly and checked her phone for the fifth time.' Which trait is most strongly suggested?
- ☐ (a) Calm
- ☐ (b) Generous
- ☐ (c) Impatient
- ☐ (d) Shy
3. In STEAL, what does the 'E' stand for?
- ☐ (a) Effect on others
- ☐ (b) Emotions
- ☐ (c) Ending
- ☐ (d) Evidence
4. Why do many authors prefer indirect characterisation?
- ☐ (a) It is shorter.
- ☐ (b) It avoids using any dialogue.
- ☐ (c) It means characters never change.
- ☐ (d) It lets readers infer traits, which is more engaging.
5. Which adjective is the most precise way to describe a character who always tells the truth even when it costs them?
- ☐ (a) Nice
- ☐ (b) Honest
- ☐ (c) Good
- ☐ (d) Okay
6. What is the word for working out something that is suggested rather than stated? (one word)
7. What is a single quality of a character's personality called? (one word)
8. 'Jonah's hands shook as he lied.' Which STEAL method is used: speech, thoughts, actions or looks? (one word)

Answer sheet

1. Direct characterisation — The trait is stated outright.
2. Impatient — Her repeated actions show she does not like waiting.
3. Effect on others — STEAL = Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks.
4. It lets readers infer traits, which is more engaging. — Readers become active detectives, which makes characters feel real.
5. Honest — 'Honest' names the specific trait; the others are vague.
6. Infer — Readers infer traits from clues in indirect characterisation.
7. Trait — A trait is a personality quality like brave or selfish.
8. Actions — His shaking hands are a physical action that reveals his guilt or nerves.