1. Understanding…
Character Traits

2. Characters Important part of reading Makes the story interesting
Author spends time developing
characters
Gives them traits

3. Character Traits Some character traits we recognize right away.
What character traits do we see in Roald Dahl’s character the Trunchbull?
How were you able to determine these traits?
"My idea of a perfect school is one that has no children in it at all."

4. Inferred Character Traits
Some character traits are inferred – they are suggested, but not actually stated.
Now it's up to you to make your mind up about a character!

5. Inferred Character Traits
Aesop’s Fable: The Ant and the Grasshopper
One summer day, a Grasshopper was dancing, singing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Suddenly, he noticed an Ant passing by, carrying a great deal of food. “It’s a beautiful day! Come sing with me instead of working”, said the Grasshopper. “I must store food for the winter”, said the Ant, “and I advise you to do the same.” “The winter? But it is still so very far away”, said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant refused to listen and continued his work. When the winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go to bed without food,” and he closed the door.
Inferred Character Traits
What is the grasshopper like?
Use a character trait to describe the grasshopper.
What is the ant like?
Use a character trait to describe the ant.

6. Letters Include the CLUES that you found… What does the character say?
What does the character do?
What do other characters say about him or her?
How do other characters react to him or her?

7. Character Traits
An author tries to create a mental picture of a character.
The author reveals the character's traits through the character's thoughts, words and actions.

8. Example Determined Thinks Says Does Soccer Player
Michelle thinks: I refuse to give up until I have accomplished my goal!
Says
She says to her coaches, “I know I can do it!”
Does
Michelle goes to practice every afternoon afterschool. On the weekends, she runs around her block to develop her endurance.

9. Someone who is trustworthy…
Example
Someone who is trustworthy…
Thinks
Does
Says

10. Directions Pick a character trait card from the bag.
On a post-it note write what an author might
make a character think, say, and do to show your
character trait.
Think Do
Say