Direct characterization occurs when the author expressly tells the reader about the character's characteristics. Indirect characterization occurs when the author conveys the character's characteristics in other ways.
Speech, thoughts, effect, action, and looks (STEAL) are the five basic modalities of indirect characterization.
<h3>What is the STEAL Analysis of the characters indicated below?</h3>
The S.T.E.A.Lanalysis for Odysseus is as follows:
Speech: In Lines 34-40 Odysseus makes a speech to announce his intention to revenge.
Thoughts: His thoughts here are to avenge the suitors for squandering his wealth
Effect: This action inflicts fear on others
Actions: Odysseus actually takes the suitors by surprise and kills them
Looks: Homer portrayed Odysseus as a person with uncommon wisdom, eloquence, courage, and endurance. The above action also depicts him as vengeful.
STEAL for Cyclops:
Speech: Odysseus tells the Cyclops his name is Nobody because he knows that if he assaults, the Cyclops would cry out and be asked if it needs aid by other Cyclopes. Naturally, the Cyclops responds that "nobody" bothers or kills it.
Thoughts: The above depicts Cyclops as inhospitable
Effects: The actions of Cyclops make him a fearsome being
Actions: Odysseus and his men are trapped in a cave behind a massive rock by the cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus cannot escape because only the cyclops is strong enough to move the rock.
Looks: Cyclops is a one eyes being known for eating men
STEAL for Calypso:
Speech: In one of her speeches to Calypso, she tells Odysseus that her heart is not made of iron.
Effect: This creates an impression that she loves Odysseus
Actions: She actually releases Odysseus from captivity hoping that he will stay with her.
Effects: Calypso's interaction with Odysseus reveals aspects of Calypso and Odysseus. Odysseus is sorry for betraying his wife while Calypso is seen as kind-hearted towards Odysseus.
Looks: Calypso is depicted as a charming nymph whose home is on the island of Ygygia.
