Details to Describe Characters

What are traits? 

• the struggles in the plot of a story 
• descriptive adjectives that tell you what a character is like
• all of the events that happen in a story
• the places where a story happens

What can you use to figure out what a character’s traits are?

• what the character says 
• what the character thinks 
• how other characters react to the character 
• all of the above

True or False: Characters can only be humans. 

• True
• False

An author writes, “The girl was very patient.” This is an example of ________. 

• the author telling you directly what a character is like
• the author showing you indirectly what a character is like 

An author reveals that a character is courageous through the character’s words, actions and thoughts. This is an example of ________. 

• the author telling you directly what a character is like
• the author showing you indirectly what a character is like

A character, Nicki, is friendly. The author shows this by having Nicki sit down at a lunch table with a group of kids she doesn’t know and introduce herself. What is the author using to show Nicki’s trait? 

• Nicki’s thoughts 
• Nicki’s feelings 
•  Nicki’s actions
• other characters’ reactions to Nicki

. A character, Flora, goes on a field trip to an amusement park. She tells her teacher she’s scared to go on the roller coasters. “No way I’m going on those!” she thinks. Flora’s classmates comment on how she’s shaking and looks pale. Based on this evidence, one trait that describes Flora is ________. 

• fierce
• cowardly
• talented
• bold

A character, Vishal, wants to be the president of the fourth grade class. He runs in the election and wins. He says, “Not only am I going to lead the fourth grade, I’m going to be president of the United States one day!” Based on this evidence, one trait that describes Vishal is ________. 

• graceful
• brilliant
• loyal
• ambitious

Read the following sentences from a story. Choose the character trait that best describes Grandpa. 
Grandpa was 85 years old and had gone through many experiences in his life. Everyone in Grandpa’s building went to him for advice. He always had the right answers. He helped people with their problems and gave them great recipes to try. “I’ve never met someone who knows as much as you do, Gramps!” exclaimed Simon. 

• wise
• magnificent
• fortunate
• elegant

A character, Carson, looks up to his older sister. His sister had an art show coming up. The week before show, she told Carson not to go into her room and peek at her project. Carson followed her rules and didn’t try to go in. “I hope it’s a painting of me!” thought Carson. What evidence can you use to support the fact that Carson is “respectful”?

•  Carson’s sister had an art show coming up.
• Carson’s sister told him not peek at her project. 
• Carson followed his sister’s rules and didn't go in her room. 
• Carson hoped the art project was a painting of him.