Direct and IndirectCharacterization

Foil characters make the characteristics and personality of the protagonist stand out.

For example, if the protagonist is a generous and caring individual, his or her foil might be stingy and mean in order to highlight the protagonist’s good qualities through the contrast.

This is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization

Direct characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is.

“The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”

Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character.

There are five methods:

Speech, thought, actions, looks, and effect on others toward the character.

Nora is younger and has been taken care of and sheltered from much of the world. When Kristine enters the picture, we understand the sheltered life or “doll’s house” that Nora resides in versus the harsh life that Kristine has experienced. Nora has a maid and a nanny to take care of her children. She really does no understand business. She did not even know how much she had paid on the loan. She has never lived alone.

She has not had true love. Nora is impetuous and subject to whims. Nora had marriage and now wants independence.

Kristine is older and has had a difficult life. She has had to work hard to support her family and there has been no impression of an easy or pampered life. Kristine has had to work hard, does not have children. She sacrificed that to take care of her siblings and mom. She is now alone in the world. She has experienced true love with Krogstad. Kristine has independence but wants marriage.

Remember that foil characters have opposite personality traits and are best understood in contrast with one another. For example, if you wanted to create the ultimate bully in a story, you would want to create a peaceful, kind character as well in order to make the bully look even worse.

  While reading A Doll's House, think about how Nora and Kristine are foil

characters.   Although Nora and Kristine have a lot of similarities, I want you to take a closer

look at their differences. The author can highlight these differences through direct or indirect characterization.

  While reading Act II and Act III, think about how Nora and Kristine are foil

characters and how the author shows us this.   Complete the two charts below. One chart is for Kristine, and the other chart is

for Nora. Type your answers directly on these charts and save your work. When you are finished with your work, submit it through the view/complete assignment link.

Kristine's Chart

Answer each question in this column.

In this column, write down one passage from the play that proves your response. Make sure you put it in quotations since you are taking it from the text!

In this column, explain if the passage from the play you provided is an example of indirect or direct characterization. You only need to type "Direct" or "Indirect" in this column.

1. What kind of marriage did Kristine Linde have?

Kristine’s marriage was bad. She only married the man for his money.

Nora: You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is itreally true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marryhim?Mrs. Linde: My mother was alive then, and was bedridden andhelpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so Idid not think I was justified in refusing his offer.Nora: No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time,then?Mrs. Linde: I believe he was quite well off. But his business wasa precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces andthere was nothing left.

2. How did Kristine Linde feel when she lost her husband?

She was felt like her life was empty when her husband died because his business went downhill and all of his money was gone.

Nora: What a relief you must feel if--Mrs. Linde: No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. Noone to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) That was why Icould not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. Ihope it may be easier here to find something which will busy meand occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to getsome regular work--office work of some kind--Nora: But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you looktired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.Mrs. Linde (walking to the window): I have no father to give memoney for a journey, Nora.Nora (rising): Oh, don't be angry with me!

Now, all you have to do is complete the remainder of the chart – you can do this!

Remember to call, text, pronto, or message me if you have any questions!