Types of Characterization: The STEAL Method

The STEAL method gives you five clear ways to understand any character in a story. Each letter stands for a different aspect of character development that authors use.

Speech refers to how and what a character says. The words they choose, their tone, and who they talk to can reveal a lot about their personality. Pay attention to dialogue - it's like getting a direct window into who they are!

Thoughts shows what a character thinks, believes, or feels. When authors let us into a character's mind, we learn about their true motivations and values. Remember, thoughts can be very different from what characters actually say out loud!

Top Tip: When analyzing a character, look for moments when their thoughts contradict their speech - this often reveals important internal conflicts!

Effect on others examines how a character's actions and words affect the people around them. Do others respect, fear, or love them? These reactions can tell you a lot about who the character really is.

Actions focus on what a character does and how they behave. A character might say one thing but do something completely different. Their behavior in different situations shows their true character.

Looks describes the character's physical appearance and how it affects their mood or personality. This includes clothing choices, physical features, and how the character feels about their own appearance.