Characterization

Characterization The people and animals in a story are the characters. Authors give you clues about what the characters are like.

Think about what the writer tells you about the characters in a story. It will help you understand the story better.

CharacterizationSome words that authors use to describe characters are:

bossy helpfulscared

brave honesthappy

careful kind neat

friendly proudmean

hard-working shy nice

funny wiseangry

CharacterizationExample:

Alex helped his mother in the store. He put boxes on the shelf. He didn’t drop any boxes. Mr. Parker left some money at the store. Alex followed him outside to give him the money.

What words would you use to tell about Alex ?

CharacterizationExample:

Tipsy had a bone. A bigger dog wanted it. Tipsy was afraid. She stood over her bone and barked. The big dog ran away. Tipsy was glad she hadn’t lost her bone.

What words would you use to tell about Tipsy?

CharacterizationExample:

Andrea kept her library books together on a shelf. She put all her toys away carefully.

Andrea was very…

upset neat mean

Characterization

Example:

Robert’s friend Diego laughed a lot. He always had a smile on his face. Diego was a ___________ person.

surprised naughty happy

Characterization

Example:

Daniela ’s little brother hid her dolls under the bed. He hid her favorite doll. He was being ________________.

calm naughty nice

Characterization

Example:

When Ximena needed help, Mother always knew how to help. Ximena’s mother was very ________________.

wise funny angry

Characterization

Example:

Guido read all the books about ships that he could find. He also talked with sailors to learn more.

Guido was ____________________.

gentle curiousscared