- what the author states directly about the character
- what the character says and does
- what others say or think about the character
Since The Slave Dancer is told by Jessie - not the author or an all-knowing narrator - readers must rely on the last three methods to gain information about characters.
Directions
Each of the following charts lists some traits possessed by a character in the book. Find sever; specific pieces of evidence for each trait (from anywhere in the book as you read the text) t prove the character does have that characteristic.
Then decide which characterization method (or methods) in each piece of evidence is used t reveal that trait. Check the appropriate column.
a = what the character says
b = what the character does
c = what others say or think about the character
d = how others act toward the character
Below you will find an example of a chart for Jessie. Make a similar chart for each of the following characters in the book.
Clay Purvis
Captain Cawthorne
Nicholas Spark
Benjamin Stout
Jessie |
|
|
Trait |
Evidence |
How trait is revealed |
curious |
observing the black woman against the doorpost |
b |
persistent |
|
|
sensitive |
|
|
brave |
|
|
2. Purvis
a. ignorant
b. compassionate
c. understanding
3. Captain Cawthorne
a. dictatorial
b. brutal
c. corrupt
4. Spark
a. stupid
b. corrupt
c. cruel
4. Stout
a. sadistic
b. two-faced
c. corrupt
One Step Further
Choose a character from the preceding charts for an interview. First write that character's name, then write down three questions that are designed to gain information about that character's personality traits.
Finally, prepare answers for your character that seem consistent with his or her personality and speaking style. Write the character's initial before each response.