To teach characterization, I always show my students the STEAL method, which analyzes a character’s indirect characterization through their speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks. To practice this method of analyzing character, set up stations around your classroom with a piece of paper and markers at each one. Each station will be assigned one of the letters from the STEAL acronym. Choose a comic strip that has a mix of dialogue and thought bubbles, as well as interaction between two or more characters. Place the comic strip on the board and/or place a copy of the comic strip at each station, and have your students rotate through, making notes about the indirect characterization they notice. Once all students have rotated through each station, review the papers as a class and discuss.