1. CHARACTER TRAITS

2. What is a character trait?
Never an emotion- An emotion is a feeling. How the character feels at that particular time is never a character trait.
A character trait is a word that describes a person, focusing on a character’s personality/ demeanor (way they act)
Not necessarily a physical trait- A physical trait describes a person’s physical features and physical abilities, but a character trait focuses on a character’s personality/demeanor.

3. Character Traits Emotions
are permanent and can be seen in many examples and events from the book. You can provide much textual evidence for it.
are temporary depending on a particular event , or small number of events, from the text.

4. Four ways to identify a character’s traits in a story:

5. 1). Action Clues- CHARACTER traits ARE revealed through the actions and reactions of characters.
Ex: Joseph was appalled by the behavior of his classmates during the assembly, while he was trying to listen to the speaker.
(Joseph’s reaction shows the character trait of bing attentive, while the other students were being rude.)

6. 2). Verbal Clues- CHARACTER traits ARE revealed by what the character says, how those words are delivered, and what Characters say about Each other.
Ex: Cheyenne couldn’t believe her ears when she tried to lend a hand and Brandon responded, “No! We’re going to do it my way!”
(Brandon’s response shows the character trait of being bossy, while Cheyenne is trying to be helpful.)

7. 3). Thought Clues- CHARACTER traits ARE revealed by what a character Thinks, what Characters Think about Each other, and How those thoughts are perceived.
Ex: Evana didn’t seem to understand why she didn’t fit in with the girls on the team. Just because she played the violin instead of volleyball, didn’t mean that she couldn’t be friends with them.
(Evana’s thoughts show the character trait of being musical, while the other girls are athletic.)

8. 4). Personal Characteristics- CHARACTER traits ARE revealed by how the character dresses, where he or she lives, interests and hobbies, and so on.
Ex: When Natasha and Lidia go to the mall, it is sometimes difficult for them to shop in the same department. Natasha is less than five feet tall and very thin,but Lidia is of average height and works out on the weight lifing machines.
(The description shows that Natasha displays the character trait of being dainty, while Lidia is muscular.)

9. How to Explain/ Prove a Person’s Character Trait(s).
1. Use specific examples from the text.
2. Make a connection between the example and the trait.
Do not simply say that Brian is brave because he paddles a canoe. You must give SPECIFIC EXAMPLES  Brian is brave because he has paddled his canoe down the speeding rapids of the Juniata river during the rainy season, when the water is high and raging.