Name:

Character: Choose one from your novel

STEAL Characterization

Directions: Use the STEAL indirect characterization chart below to determine character traits based on text evidence and categories. STEAL represents the five different ways you can determine character traits. This process focuses on “showing” rather than the author “telling” character traits.

Characterization Category

Text Evidence

Explanation/Analysis

Speech:

What does the character say?

How does the character speak?

Trait:

Text Evidence:

Explanation/Analysis:

Thoughts:

What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?

Do the character’s decisions seem rational?

Trait:

Text Evidence:

Explanation/Analysis:

Effect:

On others toward the character. What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Trait:

Text Evidence:

Explanation/Analysis:

Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Think about how they behave with other characters and under stress.

Trait:

Text Evidence:

Explanation/Analysis:

Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Trait:

Text Evidence:

Explanation/Analysis: