Character TraitsCharacter Traits

Becoming Analyzing ReadersBecoming Analyzing Readers

What is a Character Trait?What is a Character Trait?

A word to describe a personA word to describe a person Not a physical trait which describes a Not a physical trait which describes a

personperson’’s physical features (the way s physical features (the way they look) or their abilities. they look) or their abilities. Example: tallExample: tall

A A character trait focuses on a focuses on a personperson’’s personality or demeanor s personality or demeanor (the way they act). Example: funny(the way they act). Example: funny

How Does Analyzing Character How Does Analyzing Character Traits Help You Become a Traits Help You Become a

Better Reader?Better Reader? When you are able to identify a When you are able to identify a

charactercharacter’’s traits, you are able to s traits, you are able to understand their actions and motives. understand their actions and motives.

You can make predictions about how You can make predictions about how a character will react to different a character will react to different situations. situations.

Understanding the character gives Understanding the character gives you an understanding of the story.you an understanding of the story.

How to Determine TraitsHow to Determine Traits

Try to identify permanent traits and Try to identify permanent traits and not just a temporary emotion that not just a temporary emotion that goes against a persongoes against a person’’s normal s normal character makeup. character makeup.

A good rule of thumb is to identify A good rule of thumb is to identify traits that you can supply plenty of traits that you can supply plenty of examples and not just one.examples and not just one.

Is It Easy?Is It Easy?

Not hard with a little thought.Not hard with a little thought. Characters are an important element Characters are an important element

of story. of story. The traits of a character can be The traits of a character can be

stated or can be shown to the reader stated or can be shown to the reader by the characterby the character’’s actions. s actions.

For ExampleFor Example

When you are reading a story the When you are reading a story the author may tell you the character is author may tell you the character is a generous person. a generous person.

The author may also show you that The author may also show you that the character is generous by telling the character is generous by telling about a time he/she acted about a time he/she acted generously.generously.

4 Ways to identify a 4 Ways to identify a CharacterCharacter’’s Traits in a Storys Traits in a Story

1.1. What the character says and thinksWhat the character says and thinks

2.2. What the character doesWhat the character does

3.3. What others say and think about the What others say and think about the charactercharacter

4.4. How others react to the characterHow others react to the character

How to Explain/Prove a How to Explain/Prove a PersonPerson’’s Character Traitss Character Traits

Use specific examples and then make a Use specific examples and then make a connection between the example and connection between the example and trait. trait.

For example, if you say Naledi (Journey to For example, if you say Naledi (Journey to JoBurg- Beverley Naidoo) is brave, it is not JoBurg- Beverley Naidoo) is brave, it is not acceptable to say she had to overcome acceptable to say she had to overcome many obstacles to save her sister. many obstacles to save her sister.

Instead, you must specifically explain the Instead, you must specifically explain the obstacles and THEN explain how this obstacles and THEN explain how this makes her a brave person. makes her a brave person.

The Hare and the TortoiseThe Hare and the Tortoise

The hare was arrogant and confident.The hare was arrogant and confident.

Trait: Confident Proof/Action: He decided he would take a rest.

Connection: He thought there was not way that s-l-o-w turtle could catch up to him. He thought the turtle was so slow that a small nap would not do any harm. He would not have napped if he thought it would cost him the race.

ReviewReview

1.1. What are character traits?What are character traits?

2.2. What is the difference between a What is the difference between a character trait and physical trait?character trait and physical trait?

3.3. How do you think character traits How do you think character traits will help you become a better will help you become a better reader?reader?

PractisePractise

Character traits of Ms. MihelichCharacter traits of Ms. Mihelich Example and connection between Example and connection between

trait and exampletrait and example Physical traits of Ms. MihelichPhysical traits of Ms. Mihelich Character traits for WalkCharacter traits for Walk Physical traitsPhysical traits