CHARACTER TRAITS

What is a character trait? A character trait is a word that describes a person. A physical trait describes a person’s physical features and physical abilities, but a character trait focuses on a character’s personality/demeanor.

For example, one physical trait would be “tall” and one character trait would be “funny.” When you are asked to write about a person’s character traits, focus on personality/demeanor and try to stay away from physical traits.

Also, try to identify PERMANENT traits and not just a temporary emotion that goes against the person’s normal character makeup. A good rule of thumb is to identify traits that you can supply plenty of examples for and not just one.

How do you identify character traits in literature (a story)? Characters are an important element of a story. The traits of a character can be stated, or they can be shown to the reader by the character’s actions.

Direct- the writer might tell you that the main character is a generous person Indirect- the writer could also show you that the character is generous by telling about a time when the character was generous

Five ways to identify a character’s traits in a story: 1)What the character says and thinks 2)What the character does 3)What the character looks like (physical traits) 4)What others say & think about the character 5)How others react to the character

How to explain/prove a person’s character traits: When you are asked to explain a person or character’s traits, you must remember to use specific examples and then make the connection between the example and the trait.

For example, if you say Brian is brave, it is not good enough to say he travels down the river and overcomes many obstacles. Instead, you must specifically explain the obstacles and THEN explain how this makes him a brave person. So:  State trait – give example – make connection

“Dominant” & “Prominent” Often, a writing prompt will ask you to identify a person’s “dominant” or “prominent” trait. This simply means this person’s #1 or “biggest” character trait. Or think of it this way, what one word best describes the person more than any other? That’s what these two words mean.

Using Different Traits: Instead of using words like “nice” and “kind,” try to switch it up by using different, more advanced words. To do this, use your “List of Character Traits.”

Activity You and a partner will develop a list of items that would be found in one’s backpack or purse. Then, determine if you’re character is a girl or boy and create list of ten items that would be in his or her backpack or purse. KEEP IT CLEAN! Swap lists with another pair of students.

Discuss with your partner who the character could be. How might each item in the bag play into that person's life? Is the character a male or female? What are the character's interests? What type of food does he or she like? Where does the character live? What does s/he do for work? What's going on in the person's life right now? What kind of personality does the "mystery character" have? How does the character act?

Higher Level Thinking Is the character a protagonist or antagonist? What important event happens to the character? What is the character's relationship with his or her family like?

Create a character based on the items you found in your bag. It should be two well developed paragraphs.

Example Tweezers Receipt from Panera Bread for $10 Book of poetry by Emily Dickenson Pink Lipstick Pack of tissues Datebook Pen

Female Romantic/Emotional Grooms Cares about herself/ keeps up appearances Sad or allergies because of the tissue Organized Either paid for herself or she was alone

This is a lonely old lady, who lives be herself, and she eats by herself because she doesn’t want to be reminded of the emptiness. She keeps up appearances just in case she meets that one person. She keeps the book of poetry on her at all times particularly to read while diningh and pretends that a lost lover still holds a flame for her.