Character analysis is evidence → inference → significance. A single action rarely proves a stable trait by itself.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-14
Learning goal
Infer character from patterns of textual evidence instead of starting with unsupported trait labels.
How to read this model
- Collect several evidence types.
- Separate observation from inference.
- Look for consistency or contradiction.
- Connect the pattern to conflict, development or theme.
Steps in the model
- Speech – What the character says and how.
- Thoughts – What inner access reveals or withholds.
- Effect on others – How relationships expose power or vulnerability.
- Actions – Choices, repetitions and responses under pressure.
- Appearance / description – Direct or focalised representation.
- Inference – Trait, motivation or conflict stated cautiously from a pattern.
Explanation
Character labels such as dynamic, static, round or foil are useful only when connected to evidence.
Relationships often reveal aspects of self-presentation, power and dependence that isolated descriptions do not.
Examples
- Direct characterisation states information explicitly.
- Indirect characterisation asks the reader to infer from evidence.
- STEAL is an evidence organizer, not an interpretation by itself.
For the exam
Replace ‘X is selfish’ with the evidence pattern that makes selfishness a defensible inference.