Characterization Lessons for Middle School Students

My students seem to be most excited when they are able to share with the class something funny or exciting that a friend or family member did. I like to bring this excitement into my introductory lesson on direct and indirect characterization. About two weeks before winter break begins, I begin a lesson on characterization. I begin close to the holidays because the final assignment makes a wonderful gift for the students to give a family member or friend.

Before discussing fictional characters, I have students choose a friend or a family member to write about. I ask them to write down one character trait that describes that person. Then I have them break into pairs to for a discussion with a partner. I ask them to share at least three reasons that they chose that trait. We do this two more times until they have filled a graphic organizer with three character traits and three examples for each. 

It could take several class periods to get some traits and examples down on paper. The students now have an outline for their final paper. Throughout the lesson we practice using correct sentence structure, descriptive language, characterization, and editing techniques. We end the lesson in the computer lab when I bring in decorative and colored paper for them to print their final versions. I keep a copy to grade, and give them one to keep or give as a gift.  I find that students love to write about people they know and this really lights the way to a better understanding of how authors use characterization to help us get to know their characters. It also produces a wonderful gift for a family member or friend!

Here are three fun lessons that will help introduce your students to characterization.

Characterization Lesson Plans:

Understanding Character:  In this lesson students will learn various literary terms as well as how to give a thorough analysis of a character within a piece of literature.  This lesson is wonderfully “hands-on” as the students create a character t-shirt.

Adding Details: Characterization by Show, Don’t Tell! This fun lesson incorporates partner time and active engagement with the class.  Students are encouraged to “show” an emotion instead of “telling” to help them better understand indirect characterization.

May the Force Be With (in) You:  In this New York Times lesson, students explore the characterization of heroes and their representation of the values and beliefs of the society in which they are created. Students first examine the creation of the "Star Wars" heroes and plots, and then develop their own 'heroes for the 21st century, writing stories about their hero’s adventures.