The Day I Got Lost

TERM

WHAT IT MEANS

Direct Characterization

The author directly states the character’s traits.

Indirect Characterization

The author hints at the character’s traits through the character’s thoughts, speech, actions, and other characters’ reactions to that character.

Textual Example of Direct Characterization

This is an example answer. Be sure you are using exact text—word for word—from the story. Properly cite the textual evidence, too!

“I am what is known as an absentminded professor” (Singer 352).

1.         

“I’m a man shlemiel and you’re a dog shlemiel.” (page 354)

2.

“And here I stood in some drugstore, for the life of me not able to remember where I lived.” (page 353)

A. Textual Example of Indirect Characterization

B. Character Trait Suggested by Indirect Characterization

This is an example answer. Be sure you are using exact text—word for w b32659+o021rd—from the story. Properly cite the textual evidence, too!

“I enter a coffee shop, hang up my coat, and leave without it” (Singer 352).

This is an example answer. Be sure you are providing a description of the character trait using your own words.

This suggests that Professor Shlemiel is forgetful as he does not remember that he needs to collect his coat before leaving the coffee shop.

1A.

“I’ll get you to a telephone booth. Look in the telephone book and you’ll find your address.” (singer 353)

1B.

This suggests that Professor Shlemiel did not know where he lived and the taxi driver told him where to find his address.

2A.

“I felt a great love for that innocent animal. I called to him and he came running to me. I talked to him as if he were human.” (singer 354)

2B.

This suggests that Professor Shlemiel was very lonely so he started talking to the dog like a human. and couldn’t bare to see an animal being in the rain all alone.

3A.

“Now, don’t forget your address, both of you.” (singer 356)

3B.

This suggests that Professors wife was trying to remind him of where lived and didn’t want him to get lost.

E