Characters: Characterization, Traits, & Development

What is a character trait? (a)  

• What someone is like on the inside
• A rumor or lie about someone

Adrian wanted to dunk a basketball more than anything. He would not give up until he could do it. He would work in the gym for hours practicing his steps and jumping at just the right time.

Adrian is...

• sad

• lazy

• determined

Hudson does not want anyone to help him with his chores, Even though there are a lot of clothes to put away, he wants to do it all by himself. He wants everyone to stay out of his room when he is cleaning it so he can do it all alone.

Hudson is...

• bossy

• friendly

• independent

What are the 5 ways we can learn about a character?

HINT: F.A.S.T

• The character's feelings, actions, speech, and thoughts.

• The character's frequency, aggravation, sound, and teacher.

• The character's parents, siblings, teachers, friends, pets.

Andy saw his neighbor struggling to get his lawn mower running, so Andy went over to his neighbor’s house and filled up his lawn mower with gas. When it still wouldn’t start, Andy lent him his lawn mower.  What character trait does Andy demonstrate?

• Intelligent

• Helpful

• Hateful

• Nervous

Juliana's room looks like it was hit by a tornado.  There are dirty clothes all over the floor.  Her desk is covered with papers, candy wrappers, and soda cans.  Even her bed is a mountain of clothes, pillows, and stuffed animals. Which word best describes Juliana?

• tidy

• tired

• messy

• rude

Character development is

• How a character changes from the beginning of a story to the end of a story as a result of the experiences they’ve had.

• How a character changes at the beginning of a story.

• How a character changes at the end of a story as a result of the experiences they’ve had.

• How a character experiences an event in a story.

Travis began the school year the same as always. He never studied or completed his homework. Each report card showed the same poor grades. Although his parents encouraged him, by the end of the year, he was still doing poorly. Did Travis develop as a character in this story?

• Yes, his experience in school and his parent's encouragement made him better!

• No, his experience in school and his parent's encouragement had no effect on him.

Even though she loved to dance, Shannon was nervous about joining the dance team. She tried out and made it, but never said a word to anyone. At each dance practice, Shannon got a little more comfortable with her team. By the end of the season, not only did she make friends, but she even taught the team a few dance moves. Did Shannon develop as a character in this story?

• Yes, her experience with the dance team changed over time.

• No, her experience with the dance team caused her to remain the same.

Josiah saw his grandmother pull into the driveway as he was finishing his homework. He ran outside to see what she bought at the store. His grandmother said, “How was your day, Josiah?” He told her it was pretty good and asked her how many bags she had in the back. She said it was plenty of stuff, but she could get it. He smiled and said, “Nah, grandma, I’m gonna help you!” Josiah reached in and grabbed as many bags as he could safely carry.

• athletic

• courteous

• intelligent

• joyful