Character Elements

Character Element	Quotes (Find Quotes in Support of and Quotes Challenging)	What Do These Things Suggest about Character’s Character?
Direct Characterization      -These are things stated by author directly (e.g., she was shy)	P23: Zinkoff is sad.	Zinkoff is rarely sad, during this scene he is being bullied but doesn’t even realize. One of the older kids in his elementary school takes his hat from him. When he gets his hat taken away, Zinkoff doesn’t even realize that the boy is trying to pick on him, instead he tells the boy that he can have the hat. When the author write that Zinkoff is sad, it is not because his hat has been taken away, it is simply because he really liked the hat. However; he quickly changes his mind and decides that it’s fine if the boy has it now.
Indirect Characterization
-Through description (appearance/mannerisms)-	P3: He cannot believe how free he is. Giddy with freedom… P7: Zinkoff never wins. But Zinkoff doesn’t notice.	Both of these quotes demonstrate the bliss and innocence that Zinkoff has. The first quote talks about his freedom. He is a young 1st grade boy who is silly and energetic. He does not have many worries and he expresses freedom when runs and plays as he pleases. The second quote expresses his attitude. He is a very positive boy and does not let anything change his positivity.
- Through actions/inactions (what actions does the character perform; what does s/he choose not to do?)	P37: Zinkoff’s idea is to bake a snickerdoodle so big that Andrew the new neighbor will have to come out and see it. P38: Every time his mother tries to help, the young chef snaps at her, “I can do that.”	When Zinkoff has ha new neighbor, he takes it upon himself to make the neighbor feel welcome. He decides to make Andrew a cookie, which shows that he is caring. When he is making the cookie for Andrew he wants to do bake it all by himself. This shows just how independent Zinkoff thinks he is. He takes pride in doing things alone, especially when it is something he is passionate about.
-Through comments of others (how do other characters speak about the character?)	P1: And maybe it annoys you that he seems to be having even more fun than you, but it’s a one-second thought and it’s over. P33: “Donald sometimes has a problem with self-control, and I wish he were neater, but he is so good-natured. That son of yours is one happy child! And he certainly does love school!” P43: “Yahoo!” He does not notice that he is the only Titan cheering. “What are you so happy for?” says Robert, one of his teammates. “We lost.”	Zinkoff is the type of kid that always seems to be enjoying himself. Whether it is at soccer during a game or running down the street by himself, he is happy. This quote explains that someone who sees his carefree behavior may find him annoying. Zinkoff also has a hard time controlling himself during school because he has such a passionate love for learning. He calls out a lot during class, which gets him into trouble with the teacher. Although his intentions are good, his teacher sees what he does as distracting and disruptive. He is also a part of a soccer team. He enjoys playing but doesn’t seem to understand the idea of competition, losing and winning. He just wants to have fun playing the sport.
-Through language (how does the character use language, including about how s/he speaks about others)	P44: “Good game, good game, good game . . .” and Zinkoff is the only Titan saying “Good game” back.	Zinkoff is friendly and considerate. When his team loses and has to shake the hands of their oponents, he is the only one on his team that shows respect by telling the other team that they did a good job. He is kindhearted.
-Through interactions (how does character interact with others [bidirectional], with space/setting, etc.)	P47: Zinkoff goes wild too. He tries to stand on his head. He shouts into baby Polly’s face “We’re number one!” and makes her blink. He climbs onto his father’s shoulders and proclaims to all the wide world: “We’re number one!”	Throughout the book he shows a variety of different behaviors. The first time that his team loses he is excited, shouting “yahoo!” and doesn’t understand why the rest of the team is sulking. When the team wins a game he is over joyed and hyper. However; during both scenes he has similar behavior. He is excited and happy.
-Through thoughts (what thoughts does that character have that may not be indicated through action/behavior?)	P69: Donald remembers: Be friendly.	Zinkoff/Donald is constantly being a good person thought the book.
-Through figurative language (how does the author use figurative language to describe the character—this isn’t direct as it requires inference)	P1: He’s part of the scenery, like the parked cars and the green plastic cans on trash day. P28: Every day is like the first day to Zinkoff. Things keep happening that rekindle the excitement of the first day.	Spinelli describes Zinkoff as being somewhat invisible, describing him as part of the scenery. Zinkoff is enthusiastic for school and Spinelli describes his love for school as if it was the first day everyday.