5 Creative Ways to Teach Characterization in Novels & Short Stories [Engaging Activities]

Who are they? What drives them? What are their defining traits? And what role do they play in the story?

Here are five engaging strategies to explore different types of characters and characterization in any novel or short story.

1. Kick Off with a Video Clip

Using a short film or cartoon is a fantastic way to introduce characterization. If time allows, The Breakfast Club is an excellent choice for analyzing stereotypes, as each main character provides rich material for character study.

Classic cartoons like Tom & Jerry are also fun—students can compare and contrast the two main characters: What defines them? How do we learn about who they are?

You can also brainstorm traits of characters from Sesame Street or The Simpsons. For example, how would students describe Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, or Big Bird?

Pixar shorts are another powerful tool. Try analyzing the old man in Geri’s Game or the mentor-student dynamic in Lifted.

2. Whose Shoes Are These?

Shoes can be a creative starting point for character development. Collect different images online or bring in real pairs of shoes. The more variety—children’s shoes, sneakers, fancy heels, or worn-out boots—the better.

Ask students to imagine the person behind the shoes by answering questions such as:

·       What’s their name, age, and background?

·       How do they look, and why does their appearance matter to them?

·       What’s their occupation, hobbies, fears, and dreams?

·       Are they introverted or extroverted? Optimistic or pessimistic?

·       How do others perceive them? What five words would people use to describe them?

This activity is always a classroom favorite because it sparks creativity and critical thinking.

3. Teaching Characterization with S.T.E.A.L

While reading a novel, I often encourage students to select one character to analyze in depth. Using the acronym S.T.E.A.L, students track what the character Says, Thinks, their Effect on others, their Actions, and their Looks. This method makes it easy to organize insights into a character’s personality and development.

4. Character Analysis & Character Study

For a more detailed approach, have students complete a full Character Analysis or Study. Using graphic organizers and templates, they can apply the S.T.E.A.L method to identify core traits and then turn their findings into either a structured paragraph or a comprehensive essay.

5. Creative Character Creations

To make character study more interactive, let students represent characters through creative projects. For example:

·       Design a character t-shirt—color, style, and symbolism.

·       Create a playlist with five songs that reflect the character’s personality.

·       Imagine the character’s Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat profile.

·       Role-play an interview as the character.

·       Write a bio-poem from the character’s perspectiv

Written by: Mahdipour