1. Character Traits
8J Kroesch

2. Basics
Character Traits are what authors use to populate their stories with interesting and unique characters
Every author has their own style for presenting traits but there are some basics
Showing (Indirect Characterization)
Telling (Direct Characterization)
Traits come in a few varieties and are told through differing methods of characterization:
Physical Traits
Mental Traits
Other Traits

3. Physical Traits
Physical Traits involve any trait that can be seen by a casual observer
If you could spot it by LOOKING at someone, it is a physical trait
Indirect Example (Actions):
Kevin ducked down to enter the doorway. His head barely missed the wooden frame.
Direct Example (Speech):
“Wow, Kevin, you’re really tall,” she exclaimed.
Ideas for Traits: Height, Weight, Hair, Eyes, Physicality (how strong they are), Clothing, Visible Features

4. Mental Traits
Mental Traits are linked to a character’s personality. They can be shown through speech or actions just like physical traits, but are usually more subtle
Indirect Example (Actions):
Megan pushed the completed test aside. Glancing over at the rest of the room, she saw the rest of her class still struggling with the advanced physics.
Direct Example (Thoughts):
Looking over the nervous expressions on the other students, she couldn’t help but smile at her own intelligence.
Ideas for Traits: Intelligence, Fears, Annoyances, Desires, Psychological Conditions (Try to avoid these, often clichés)

5. Other Traits
Other Traits are a large category that organizes anything that is not physical or mental. Often, these are simply FACTS about the character
These can include things like relationships with other characters, ages, birth places, possessions, occupations
Indirect Example (Actions):
The newcomer entered the office and took a seat in front of the desk. She briefly flashed the badge in her wallet. Greg couldn’t help but notice the gun in the holster at her side.
Direct Example (Speech)
“I’m Detective Wells,” the woman said.”

6. Practice:
Look over this character and try to find a physical, mental, and other trait to describe them

8. Practice (Continued)
Look over this text, see if the traits you found are either directly or indirectly in the description.
The lab coat that she wore had both of its sleeves torn away. Underneath, the vintage band t-shirt she had on was probably purchased at an actual concert. It was faded with more than a few well-worn holes; the same could be said of her jeans. Patches of her dark skin showed through the windows of missing material.
The Doc was older than Dwight. The long grey hair tied in her ponytail and subtle age lines gave away her lifetime of experience, but age had not slowed the woman in the slightest. Dwight had never seen her actually leave the building, or anything that looked like a bed in the complex. She was fit, and more than capable of physically defending herself. The pictures and medals hanging in her tiny kitchen belonged to a world-class fighter. The athletic equipment in the small gym tucked beneath the stairs was clearly used and cared for.

10. Practice (Continued)
Look over this text, see if the traits you found are either directly or indirectly in the description.
The assistant let out a soft cough to draw his employer’s attention, “Mr. Wulf…” he said sheepishly.
“What?” Wulf hissed. He jerked his face toward the aide, his face painted with hate. The instant he recognized Dwight sitting at the desk, he shifted. Immediately, the unleashed frustration was gone, washed away under Wulf’s patent relaxed menace. Through that smile, some of the most powerful beings in existence had met their end, “Mr. Knolls, so good of you to come.” He gracefully slipped into his chair. There was no wasted movement with Wulf; it was all part of his performance, his mask. Wulf slid a hand through his immaculately styled gray hair; despite its color, Wulf’s face belonged to a man in his early twenties. To the unknowing eye, he appeared to be the younger of the two men. He gave Dwight a slanted grin.

13. Descriptions matter!
: Book description — “ a girl with lots of bushy brown hair, and rather large front teeth."
This is the only physical description ever given to Hermione Granger. Both versions are valid depictions.

14. Your Task (Add to the END of your notes)
Think about some of your favorite characters traits. Answer the following in complete sentences.
How does the author show those traits in their writing?
Are their any characters you can think of that combine traits in interesting ways?
Why do these characters stand out to you?