Discuss with the class the difference between direct and indirect characterization. Direct characterization is stated in the text, such as, "She had green eyes," while indirect characterization is shown through actions. For example, if a character stops to help someone who has fallen down, the reader will understand that the character is kind.
Ask each student to tell a story that involves at least one other person. This story can be made up, or a true story. After each student tells the story, ask the rest of the class what the student said about the characters in the story.
Explain that details, even if they seem minor, can add to characterization. Go over characterization through dialogue and through narration.
Read a few pieces of short fiction with the class to see how characterization works in writing. In particular, look for examples that use multiple forms of characterization, including dialogue or interior monologue.
Give the students a brief writing assignment to practice characterization. Ask them to write a paragraph about a character, using at least three examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.
Ask students to read their pieces out loud in class. At the end of class, collect each paragraph to give the student some feedback on their work.