Activity Overview
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a largely character-driven novel. Kit’s interactions with the various people she meets in Wethersfield drive her story and personal growth. As they read the novel, students should develop a strong understanding of the various characters and their personalities through both direct and indirect characterization. To help students master direct and indirect characterization, have them create a storyboard identifying important character traits and the way these are conveyed in the novel. Students can look for indirect characterization based on character actions, their comments, or others’ comments about them. Students looking for direct characterization will search for specific lines in which the narrator explicitly states particular character qualities. For each character trait, have students depict an appropriate scene, annotated below with the student’s observations or a direct quotation from the text.
Hannah Tupper Characterization Example
HANNAH TUPPER
WISE
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: "Her faded eyes studied the girl beside her, and now there was nothing childlike in that wise, friendly gaze" (96).
KIND
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Hannah is gentle and comforting. She reaches out to those in need like Kit, Prudence, and the young Nat. She lets them play with her kittens and feeds them generously out of her small store of food.
INDEPENDENT
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Hannah survives all alone in a small hut in the field. She is not welcome in the nearby Puritan settlement, but seems to content to exist with her cats and memories of her husband Thomas.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a character and write their name in the row header on the left.
- Write three traits that character possess in the column headers.
- Describe each and state whether they are direct or indirect characterizations.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a largely character-driven novel. Kit’s interactions with the various people she meets in Wethersfield drive her story and personal growth. As they read the novel, students should develop a strong understanding of the various characters and their personalities through both direct and indirect characterization. To help students master direct and indirect characterization, have them create a storyboard identifying important character traits and the way these are conveyed in the novel. Students can look for indirect characterization based on character actions, their comments, or others’ comments about them. Students looking for direct characterization will search for specific lines in which the narrator explicitly states particular character qualities. For each character trait, have students depict an appropriate scene, annotated below with the student’s observations or a direct quotation from the text.
Hannah Tupper Characterization Example
HANNAH TUPPER
WISE
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: "Her faded eyes studied the girl beside her, and now there was nothing childlike in that wise, friendly gaze" (96).
KIND
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Hannah is gentle and comforting. She reaches out to those in need like Kit, Prudence, and the young Nat. She lets them play with her kittens and feeds them generously out of her small store of food.
INDEPENDENT
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: Hannah survives all alone in a small hut in the field. She is not welcome in the nearby Puritan settlement, but seems to content to exist with her cats and memories of her husband Thomas.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a character and write their name in the row header on the left.
- Write three traits that character possess in the column headers.
- Describe each and state whether they are direct or indirect characterizations.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Direct and Indirect Characterization
Easily Introduce Characterization with Short Texts or Media
Start by selecting a brief text excerpt, short story, or video clip that features clear examples of direct and indirect characterization. Short, familiar material helps students focus on character clues without feeling overwhelmed.
Model Identifying Direct and Indirect Clues Together
Read or watch the selection aloud and think aloud as you spot direct and indirect characterization. Underline or highlight direct statements, then circle actions or dialogue that reveal traits indirectly. Explain your reasoning as you go.
Guide Students in Practicing with Partners
Pair students and assign each pair a short passage or clip. Challenge them to identify one example of direct and one of indirect characterization, discussing their thinking with each other. Collaboration helps students clarify their understanding.
Create a Visual Anchor Chart as a Class
Build an anchor chart together that lists signal words, examples, and definitions for both direct and indirect characterization. Display it in your classroom for easy reference throughout your novel study.
Connect Learning to Your Current Novel Unit
Ask students to apply their new skills by finding direct and indirect characterization in your current class novel. Encourage them to use the anchor chart and share their findings in small groups or with the class.
Frequently Asked Questions about Direct and Indirect Characterization
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization in literature?
Direct characterization is when the author explicitly describes a character's traits, while indirect characterization reveals traits through actions, dialogue, or how other characters respond. Both techniques help readers understand personalities more deeply.
How can teachers help students identify direct and indirect characterization in 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'?
Teachers can guide students to find explicit character descriptions for direct characterization and to examine actions, dialogue, and others’ comments for indirect characterization. Using storyboards and quoting passages helps students visualize and annotate their findings.
What are some easy classroom activities to teach characterization for middle school students?
Simple activities include storyboard creation, character trait charts, role-playing scenes, and group discussions. These methods make it easy for students to practice identifying and explaining both direct and indirect characterization.
Why is understanding characterization important when reading novels like 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'?
Characterization helps students connect with the story, understand character motivations, and analyze how personalities influence the plot. Recognizing these elements deepens comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Can you give an example of indirect characterization for Hannah Tupper from 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'?
Hannah Tupper’s kindness is shown through her gentle actions, like comforting Kit and feeding children from her limited food supply. This reveals her caring nature without stating it directly.
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