Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) Practice Test

What is 'characterization' in literature?

1. A method used to classify genres

2. The way an author reveals characters' personalities

3. A technique for developing cause and effect

4. A description of the audience's reaction

The correct answer is: The way an author reveals characters' personalities

Characterization in literature refers to the strategies and techniques an author employs to convey and develop the personalities, motivations, and traits of characters within a story. This process can be achieved through direct description, where the author explicitly states a character's attributes, or through indirect means, such as portraying a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. By using these methods, readers gain insights into how characters think and behave, and what drives them, which enriches the overall narrative and enhances reader engagement. Understanding characterization is essential for analyzing literature because it shapes the reader's perception of characters, influencing how one connects with and interprets the story being told. The other options do not accurately capture this concept, as they focus on different aspects of literature or narrative analysis.