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HARRISON BERGERON

by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Claim/ Topic Sentence on
Characterization: What type of characterization does the author use? 1-2 sentences

HINT: Direct Characterization: TELLS the reader what the character is like through description.

HINT: Indirect Characterization: SHOWS the reader what the character is like through action, dialogue, & thoughts.

The author primarily uses indirect characterization in "Harrison Bergeron" to show the reader what the characters are like through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts.

HARRISON BERGERON

by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows characterization in the story.

Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses at the END of the quote. Example- (Vonnegut 2).

Direct quote from the story with in-text citation

One example of characterization in "Harrison Bergeron" is when the author describes Harrison, saying, "Harrison’s appearance was Halloween and hardware. Nobody had ever born heavier handicaps. He had outgrown hindrances faster than the H-G men could think them up" (Vonnegut 2).

HARRISON BERGERON

by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the character’s traits and the type of characterization used in the story.

Do NOT use phrases like “I think” or “I believe.” Make your statements without these types of phrases.
2-3 sentences

The quote proves Harrison's traits of defiance and exceptionalism. By describing his appearance as "Halloween and hardware" and mentioning that he has outgrown handicaps faster than the authorities can impose them, it shows that Harrison is a rebellious character who refuses to conform to the oppressive rules of the society. This quote also showcases the use of indirect characterization, as it allows the reader to infer Harrison's personality and motivations through his actions and abilities rather than explicitly stating them.

In order to identify the type of characterization used by the author in "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., you can analyze how the author provides information about the characters. If the author directly describes the character through explicit details or adjectives, it indicates the use of direct characterization. On the other hand, if the author presents the character through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts, allowing the reader to draw conclusions about their traits, it signifies indirect characterization.