Characterization

Character traits are adjectives that describe the qualities of a character. 
Read the following passage from a story: 
Mercy snorted. She should have known better than to challenge Victoria. Of all Mercy's friends, Victoria talked loudest, ran fastest, and took the most risks. She bragged about the time she convinced her older brothers to spend a weekend building her a fort. Mercy liked to call Victoria "Buster". "Because you are always busting things up," she laughed. Victoria wore the nickname with pride. 
Based on the passage, which of the following is one of Victoria's traits?

• forgetful
• confused
• bold
• shy

Tags

TEKS.ELA.E1.6A

TEKS.ELA.E2.6D

TEKS.ELA.E3.6D

TEKS.ELA.E4.6A

TEKS.ELA.E4.6D

Read the passage and then answer the question below: 
"No, indeed. I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all," [the Scarecrow] answered sadly. 
"Oh", said Dorothy, "I am awfully sorry for you."
"Do you think," he asked, "if I go to the Emerald City with you, that Oz would give me some brains?"
"I cannot tell", she returned, "but you may come with me, if you like. If Oz will not give you any brains you will be no worse off than you are now." 
Which detail from the passage best shows us that Dorothy is caring and kind? 

• "I cannot tell," she returned..."
• ""I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all,"[the Scarecrow] answered sadly."
• "Oh", said Dorothy, "I am awfully sorry for you."
• "Do you think," he asked, "if I go to the Emerald City with you, that Oz would give me some brains?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Read the following passage: 
"We did it! We did it! We did it!" Mei boasted, slapping her hand against the table, scattering toast crumbs, knocking aside teaspoons and almost smearing the butter in her zeal. 
"Whoa!" her brohter exclaimed, startled. "Well congratulations!"
Mei stood up and triumphantly strutted around the kitchen, transforming her walk around the breakfast table into a victory parade. 
Her brother laughed, suprised and amused. "Who are you, and what have you done with me sister, Mei?" he teased. 
Based on the passage, what can you infer about the main character Mei? 

• Mei is outgoing and loud
• Mei is timid
• Mei is not very athletic
• Mei is not usually so boastful and energetic

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What character trait is revealed here?
After glancing around to make sure she wasn't being watched, Marissa slide the candy bar into her pocket.  She walked out of store casually, not stopping to pay.

• selfish
• sneaky
• thrifty
• rude

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What character trait is revealed in this passage?
Jonathan looked at the homeless dog walking down the street of his neighborhood.  He approached the dog, slowly cautiously, with his hands stretched outward.  After gaining his trust, Jonathan took the dog home, gave him a warm bath, and big bowl of food.

• impulsive
• obsessed
• humble
• compassionate

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Javier was shopping at the grocery store for some olives. He needed a lot of olives, so he grabbed the large jar off of the shelf. Then he noticed the price. The large jar contained 20 oz. of olives and it cost $3.99. He looked at the small jar of olives. It contained 10 oz. of olives and cost $1.49. Javier put the large jar back and purchased two small jars of olives.   What character trait does Javier demonstrate?

• Heroic
• Cruel
• Angry
• Intelligent

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Characters _____________ throughout a story or drama. 
They learn lessons as a result of the events and/or problems in the story. 

• stay the same 
• never change 
• grow and change 

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

Makayla is kind to everyone.  Last week, when a new girl came to Makayla's class, Makayla showed her around the school and introduced her to all of her friends.
Which word best describes Makayla?

• cruel
• compassionate
• cheerful
• friendly

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Tom is described as being very fit, healthy, tall, and strong. Based on this description, we can infer that Tom ___________________.

• eats junk food all day.
• possibly plays a sport -- maybe basketball -- to stay healthy.
• doesn't care about his health.
• likes to sleep in on the weekends.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

If the author directly tells you what the character is like, that is:

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3