CHARACTER
TRAITS
What is a character trait?
A character trait is a word that describes a person. A
physical trait describes a person’s physical features
and physical abilities, but a character trait focuses on a
character’s 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 person’s 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 person’s normal character makeup. A good
rule of thumb is to identify traits that you can supply
plenty of examples for and not just one.
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 character’s
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.
Five ways to identify a
character’s 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
How to explain/prove a
person’s character traits:
When you are asked to explain a person or
character’s 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
“Dominant” & “Prominent”
Often, a writing prompt will ask you
to identify a person’s “dominant” or
“prominent” trait. This simply
means this person’s #1 or “biggest”
character trait. Or think of it this
way, what one word best describes
the person more than any other?
That’s what these two words mean.
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!