Character TraitsCharacter Traits

Becoming Analyzing ReadersBecoming Analyzing Readers

**CharacterCharacterA person or an animal that A person or an animal that takes part in a literary worktakes part in a literary work

ProtagonistProtagonist: The main character in a : The main character in a literary workliterary work

AntagonistAntagonist: A character or force in : A character or force in conflict with the main characterconflict with the main character

**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

person’s physical features (the way person’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 person’s personality or demeanor person’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

character’s traits, you are able to character’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 person’s normal goes against a person’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 character’s actions. by the character’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.

**5 Ways to identify a 5 Ways to identify a Character’s Traits in a StoryCharacter’s 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 Person’s Character TraitsPerson’s 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 Brian (The River – For example, if you say Brian (The River – Gary Paulsen) is brave, it is not Gary Paulsen) is brave, it is not acceptable to say he traveled down the acceptable to say he traveled down the river and overcame many obstacles. river and overcame many obstacles.

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 him a brave person. makes him a brave person.

So, AlwaysSo, Always

state trait…provide evidence from state trait…provide evidence from the text that proves this traitthe text that proves this trait

The Hare and the TortoiseThe Hare and the Tortoise

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

Trait: Confident Evidence from text: He decided he would take a rest during the race. He believed that the tortoise could not beat him even if he took the quick, short nap.

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?

**THEMETHEMEThe main idea or message of a The main idea or message of a

book or story. The message book or story. The message can be about life, society or can be about life, society or

human nature.human nature.Theme- Choices and Decisions We MakeTheme- Choices and Decisions We Make

As we read different pieces of literature As we read different pieces of literature we will continue to ask ourselves the we will continue to ask ourselves the question: How do the choices and question: How do the choices and decisions the characters make affect decisions the characters make affect themselves and other people?themselves and other people?