English I



English I Name__________________________

Period_________________________

“The Scarlet Ibis”

Characterization

Directions: Characterization is the process by which an author will reveal a character’s personality to you. James Hurst employs many different methods to reveal the various characters of his short story. List below at least 5 methods of characterization an author may use:

1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

Step one: Let’s examine how James Hurst characterizes the minor characters of the story. Look at the examples listed below to help you understand the characters.

a. Aunt Nicey: p. 174: Everybody thought he was going to die—everybody except Aunt Nicey who had delivered him.

Method of Characterization:

What it reveals about her personality:

p. 174: She said he would live because he was born in a caul and cauls were made of Jesus’ nightgown.

Method of Characterization:

What it reveals about her personality:

Now find some examples of your own:

What Aunt Nicey DOES on p. 178: “

What it reveals about her personality:

What Aunt Nicey SAYS on p. 182: “

What it reveals about her personality:

b. Doodle’s parents, Mama and Daddy

Find an ACTION mentioned on page 174: “

What it reveals about their personalities:

Find an example using Mama on page 175: “

IDENTIFY

Method of Characterization:

What it reveals about her personality:

Find an example using Daddy on pages 179-180: “

IDENTIFY

Method of Characterization:

What it reveals about his personality:

c. Although these characters are minor in the story’s plot and theme, what importance do they have in this story? (Do they foreshadow; help further a conflict; contribute to the story’s mood; etc.? Explain fully.)

Step Two: Now it’s time to analyze the two main characters, Doodle and Brother, to especially help you to understand the conflict that exists between them in this story. Use the chart below to help you understand the characterization employed by Hurst for these characters.

METHOD OF CHARACTERIZATION

1. Actions (list at least 3)

2. What they say (list at least 3)

3. What they think

4. Physical descriptions

DOODLE

p. ___ “

BROTHER

p. ___ “

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