CHARACTER TRAITS

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CHARACTER TRAITS
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What is a character trait?

• A character trait is a word that describes a
  person. A physical trait describes a persons
  physical features and physical abilities, but a
  character trait focuses on a characters
  personality/demeanor. For example, one physical
  trait would be tall and one character trait
  would be funny. When you are asked to write
  about a persons character traits, focus on
  personality/demeanor and try to stay away from
  physical traits. Also, try to identify PERMANENT
  traits and not just a temporary emotion that goes
  against the persons normal character makeup. A
  good rule of thumb is to identify traits that you
  can supply plenty of examples for and not just
  one.

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How do you identify character traits in
literature (a story)?

• Characters are an important element of a story.
  The traits of a character can be stated, or they
  can be shown to the reader by the characters
  actions. For example, when you are reading a
  story, the writer might tell you that the main
  character is a generous person. The writer could
  also show you that the character is generous by
  telling about a time when the character was
  generous. Well-developed characters help to make
  very powerful stories.

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Five ways to identify a characters traits in a
story

1. What the character says and thinks
2. What the character does
3. What the character looks like (physical traits)
4. What others say think about the character
5. How others react to the character

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How to explain/prove a persons character traits

• When you are asked to explain a person or
  characters traits, you must remember to use
  specific examples and then make the connection
  between the example and the trait. For example,
  if you say Brian is brave, it is not good enough
  to say he travels down the river and overcomes
  many obstacles. Instead, you must specifically
  explain the obstacles and THEN explain how this
  makes him a brave person. So
• State trait give example make connection

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Dominant Prominent

• Often, a writing prompt will ask you to identify
  a persons dominant or prominent trait. This
  simply means this persons 1 or biggest
  character trait. Or think of it this way, what
  one word best describes the person more than any
  other? Thats what these two words mean.

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Using Different Traits

• Instead of using words like nice and kind,
  try to switch it up by using different, more
  advanced words. To do this, use your List of
  Character Traits. You will be coming up with
  definitions for all of these and then you will be
  quizzed on your memorization and spelling of all
  of them, so USE the list and memorize the meaning
  of each word!