A photograph of an arrow sign that reads “O. Henry (W.S. Porter).

Source: O. Henry, xymox, Flickr

Let’s now dive into an excerpt from this author’s short story “The Gift of the Magi.” O. Henry was a prolific writer who wrote over 300 short stories. He is sometimes referred to as the champion of the ironic twist.

Read O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi.” To get the gist of the story, first read the entire text, paying particular attention to the literary elements relating to character development discussed in this lesson: the types of characters (round and flat), and the ways of developing characters (speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks/description).

As you read, use a graphic organizer that contains a note-taking chart. Use this chart as you read the story, filling in columns and recording information that will help you answer the questions in the final exercise of the lesson. You can print, download, and save this file. Graphic Organizer Instructions

The final exercise in this lesson will help you organize your thoughts as you create interesting stories with believable characters. Respond to the following questions about O. Henry’s story “The Gift of the Magi.”


icon for an interactive exercise
  1. Which type of character does Della represent?

    2. a. Round; I know this because O.Henry describes her sentiment and actions in great detail.
    Try again.

    b. Flat; I know this because the author spends equal time describing trivial items—for example, a cat, Christmas.
    Correct!


  2. How does the author characterize Della?

    3. a. Through the use of monologue (thoughts): “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.”
    Try again.

    b. Through the use of action as told by the narrator: “She had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every penny she could for months.”
    Correct!


  3. Which method of character development does O.Henry use to help the reader understand the character of Della?

    4. a. Dialogue with Madame Sonfronie
    Try again.
    b. Description of Della’s flowing hair
    Correct!


  4. Which type of character is Madame Sofronie?

    5. a. Round; I know because she plays an important part in the story’s plot.
    Try again.
    b. Flat; I know because she does not go through any changes in the story.
    Correct!


  5. Which method of characterization does O.Henry use to show how Della feels about cutting off her hair?

    6. Her thoughts as told by the narrator: “As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim's. It was like him. Quietness and value.”
    Try again.

    b. Action as told by the narrator: “Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny, close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy.”
    Correct!


  6. Which of the following represents the author’s use of a major event in the action that takes place?

    7. a. “Della doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table.”
    Try again.
    b. “His eyes were fixed upon Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read, and it terrified her.”
    Correct!


  7. Which of the following elements does the author use to show the reader Della’s decision to break the big news to Jim?

    8. a. Description: “Della wriggled off the table and went for him.”
    Try again.
    b. Dialogue: “I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have lived through Christmas . . . without giving you a present.”
    Correct!


  8. Toward the beginning of the story, O. Henry includes a major event in the lives of his characters. Which of the following devices does he use?

    9. a. Description: “Down rippled the brown cascade.”
    Try again.
    b. Dialogue: “Give it to me quick” [to Madame Sofronie].
    Correct!

  9. Which of the following characterization techniques does O. Henry use to present the final major event in the story’s action (the ironic twist)?

    10. a. Dialogue and action combined
    Try again.
    b. Action only
    Correct!