Characterization Examples

Which is NOT a character trait?

• bossy
• scared
• responsible
• shy

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 brother 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, surprised and amused. “Who are you, and what have you done with my sister, Mei?” he teased.
Based on the passage, what can you infer about the main character Mei?

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

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

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

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

What type of characterization is the following example?
Brandon leaned back in his chair during the lecture.  He was bored with the classes discussion of rock formations.

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

How is the character's traits revealed?
Mr. Timpelton walked through the airport in his crisp army uniform and duffel bag.  After being deployed for a year in Iraq, he was anxious to see is family.  He wiped his hands nervously on his pants, breathed a deep sigh, and begin to head to the airport welcoming area.

• actions
• thoughts
• statements
• interactions with other characters

What type of character trait is the following example?
Tiffany loved when her teachers gave her creative projects.  Her favorite things to do were paint, write music, play her guitar, and mold pottery.

• direct characterization
• indirect characterization

The five elements of indirect characterization include all of the following except:

• speech
• actions
• looks
• motivation