If you will examine many character sketches, you will find that it is often impossible to say that a certain one is a description or that it is an exposition. The two kinds of composition blend. In our study of characters in literature, however, and of persons we know, it is sometimes convenient to remember that we are influenced by three considerations, the last two of which belong to exposition.

I. Personal appearance. II. Mental qualities.

We may ask, for example, whether the character is practical, shrewd, humorous, sensible, philosophical; whether, on the whole, intellect predominates. III. Moral qualities.

Such questions as these might be pertinent: Is the person good, generous, affectionate, sincere, frank, unaffected, honest, proud, energetic, demonstrative, vain, silly, truthful ?

Exercises

628. What does the following paragraph tell us about (1) Portia's mental qualities? (2) her moral qualities?

In Portia, Shakespeare seems to have aimed at a perfect scheme of an amiable, intelligent, and accomplished woman. The result is a fine specimen of beautiful nature enhanced by beautiful art. Eminently practical in her tastes and turn of mind, full of native, homebred sense and virtue, Portia unites therewith something of the ripeness and dignity of a sage, a mellow eloquence, and a large, noble discourse; the whole being tempered with the best grace and sensibility of womanhood. As intelligent as the strongest, she is at the same time as feminine as the weakest of her sex: she talks like a poet and a philosopher, and she talks, for all the world, just like a woman! She is as full of pleasantry, too, and as merry "within the limit of becoming mirth," as she is womanly and wise; and her arch sportiveness always has a special flavor as the free outcome of perfect moral health. Nothing indeed can be more fitting and well placed than her demeanor, now bracing her speech with grave maxims of practical wisdom, now unbending her mind in sallies of wit, or of innocent, roguish banter. - The New Hudson Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice," p. xxx.

629. Write a theme "setting forth" the main characteristics of the hero of a story, or of one of the principal persons in the story.

680. Refer to the character sketch of an Indian on page 289, and write a similar description of some pioneer, - not an Indian; or, refer to the sketch of the mammy on pages 316-317 and write a similar account of some one you know; or describe some one of Shakespeare's characters in whom you are much interested.