Name: _________________________________________
6B- _____
Date: _________________________________
Reading: Biography Character Trait ¶: Directions
The Assignment: Choose a subject / person from one of the biographies you read.
Describe this subject with the most fitting, observant, and precise character trait
possible. Support your interpretation of the subject’s personality with the most
revealing quote available in the book. Analyze your quote by explaining its deepest
(possibly less obvious) meaning with inferences that connect the quote to your trait.
The Process:
1. Person / Subject: Select the subject (person) you want to describe in your
paragraph. To do this, check your Google Docs biography notes, where you
submitted your best quotes and traits. The best of your best quotes should
probably lead you to the best subject for your paragraph.
2. Book: Borrow the biography from a library and bring it to class every day.
3. Outline: Complete a Biography Character Trait ¶ Outline.
4. Draft: Use your outline to draft your paragraph in Google Docs.
5. Format: Format the document; add a heading; and highlight the TS, Ev, and IS.
6. SELF Edit: Edit and revise your paragraph using a SELF Checklist. (See
SchoolWires for checklists.) SHOW YOUR WORK: Make comments and
corrections in RED or GREEN INK on a paper copy of your ¶. You may complete
as many self checklists and rough drafts as you wish, but you need at least one.
7. PEER Edit: Have a peer edit and revise your paragraph using a PEER Checklist.
(See SchoolWires for checklists.) SHOW YOUR WORK: Ask your peer to make
comments and corrections in RED or GREEN INK on a paper copy of your ¶. You
may complete as many peer checklists and rough drafts as you wish, but you
need at least one.
8. Docs Comments: Ask a peer to make 3+ constructive comments on the Google
Docs version of your paragraph, one of which should be a note explaining the
most fundamental issue / problem in your paragraph and HOW you should fix /
improve / address it.
9. Paper Packet Submission: Submit a paper copy of your final paragraph,
including all of the paperwork from the process. (See page 4 for a list of papers.)
10. Digital Submission: Submit a digital copy of the Google Docs version of your
paragraph on Edmodo.
(over)
The Task: Think 1-1-1-1-1: Write one paragraph in which you describe one subject
from a one biography with the one character trait that best describes your
character’s personality and the one quote that most convincingly supports your
trait. Develop your quote by clearly providing A) a summary of the background
information, or context, for this quote; B) the quote, as evidence for your trait; and C)
an in-depth interpretation, or explanation, of HOW the quote supports the trait.
Finally, conclude your paragraph with a wise book-to-world connection, known as
an insight statement, using the subject’s personality and situation in this book to
shed light on life or human nature outside the book, in the world at large.
Tone: Write your argument for an audience, or readers, who might be unfamiliar
with your book. Use a factual, formal, impersonal  or objective  tone. In other
words, avoid referring to yourself (I, me, my, mine…); your reader (you, your,
yours…); or your writing (in this paragraph…; this quote proves that…; in
conclusion…; etc.). Avoid slang (casual language: stuff; OK; Well, Cap thinks…; etc.).
Character Traits: A character trait is a distinguishing descriptive word (an
adjective) that describes an important part of a subject’s personality. To single out a
character trait for aperson, think about what this person says (Dialogue); what he or
she does (Actions); what he or she feels (Feelings); and what he or she thinks
(Thoughts). Likewise, you might want to think about other people’s Dialogue,
Actions, Feelings, and Thoughts regarding your subject. Think D.A.F.T.: Dialogue,
Actions, Feelings, and Thoughts. Basic information and physical looks can also
shape a person’s character, though they tend not to be the most revealing details.
Often the most dramatic or meaningful moments in the book will provide you with
your evidence. During these moments, people define themselves.
You should avoid traits that are too general, too simple, or too superficial (nice,
funny, cool, mean, special, amazing, etc.). Lastly, avoid judgmental language (weird,
stupid, dumb, abnormal, clueless, cocky, etc.) and slang (beast, boss, cool, “it,” etc.),
as well as traits for a temporary mood (shocked, disappointed, etc.).
Quotes: The best quotes are deeply revealing; they give readers access into a
character’s values, thoughts, feelings, philosophy, etc.
They tend to sound poetic, and they are written / said in such a way that you
wouldn’t want to re-write them in your own words. Changing the language of
the quote would lessen its power or meaning.
Remember: You may quote dialogue (talking) or narration (story-telling).
(next)
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Examples of Character Traits:
Self-Assured, Confident
Insecure, Timid, Fearful, Awkward
Selfless, Humble, Modest, Unassuming,
Self-Centered, Narcissistic, Conceited,
Respectful, Attentive
Arrogant, Superficial, Materialistic, SelfAbsorbed, Self-Righteous
Loyal, Altruistic, Faithful
Disloyal, Opportunistic
Mature, Responsible, Trustworthy
Immature, Irresponsible, Untrustworthy
Wholesome, Philanthropic, Humane,
Malicious, Malevolent, Mischievous,
Compassionate, Empathetic, Pacifistic,
Inhumane, Insidious, Conniving,
Even-Tempered, Easy-Going,
Argumentative, Quarrelsome,
Benevolent, Noble, Virtuous, Dignified
Aggressive, Restless, Irritable,
Cantankerous, Ill-Tempered
Honest, Sincere, Candid, Outspoken
Dishonest, Insincere, Deceitful,
Conniving
Observant, Perceptive, Wise, Insightful
Apathetic, Gullible, Passive, Vulnerable,
Foolish, Naïve, Ignorant
Open-Minded, Adaptable, Reflective,
Close-Minded, Stubborn, Judgmental,
Fair, Impartial, Unbiased,
Critical, Cynical, Biased, Prejudiced,
Rational, Even-Handed, Conscientious,
Intolerant, Bigoted, Discriminatory,
Righteous, Well-Intentioned, Tolerant,
Narrow-Minded, Opinionated, Unjust
Lenient
Courageous, Bold, Audacious, Brave,
Fearful, Regretful, Cowardly, Meek,
Assertive, Uninhibited, Expressive
Timid, Shy, Retiring, Reserved,
Withdrawn, Solitary, Inhibited, Shameful
Moral, Ethical, Scrupulous, Honorable,
Immoral, Unethical, Unprincipled,
Reputable, Genuine, Unpretentious
Unscrupulous, Dishonorable, Corrupt,
Fraudulent, Deceitful, Duplicitous,
Hypocritical
Optimistic, Hopeful, Idealist
Pessimistic, Negative
Powerful, Domineering
Powerless, Submissive
Charismatic, Charming, Polite
Despicable, Loathsome, Rude, Smug
Generous, Charitable
Miserly, Spiteful, Unmerciful
Patient
Impatient
Introverted, Extroverted
Anti-Social, Deviant
Superior, Ambitious, Power-Hungry,
Inferior, Self-Conscious
Competitive
Determined, Persistent, Tenacious,
Indecisive, Hesitant, Self-Doubting,
Resolute, Steadfast, Insistent, Decisive,
Faltering, Fickle, Ambivalent,
Committed, Dedicated, Diligent,
Non-Committal,
Industrious, Meticulous, Thorough
Grateful, Appreciative, Gracious
Ungrateful, Unappreciative
Independent, Self-Sufficient, Resourceful, Dependent, Needy, Unimaginative, Dull,
Imaginative, Creative, Practical,
Insipid, Sheltered
Inventive, Original, Quirky, Idiosyncratic
Note: A character trait is NOT a physical description: tall, short, messy, neat, etc.; a
mood (bored, “hyper”); a temporary reaction (stunned, surprised, shocked,
confused); a noun: leader, follower, hippy, bully, athlete, jock, etc.
(over)
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Final Paper Packet: [Submit in this order, from top to bottom.]
1. Final copy
2. PEER checklist(s) on top of PEER rough draft(s), from newest to oldest.
*Put checklist(s) ON TOP OF its rough draft(s).
*You only need ONE PEER checklist and ONE PEER rough draft.
3. SELF checklist(s) on top of SELF rough draft(s), from newest to oldest.
*Put checklist(s) ON TOP OF its rough draft(s).
*You only need ONE SELF checklist and ONE SELF rough draft.
4. Outline
* Don’t staple your packet.
* Keep these papers in a sheet protector until the due date, when you’ll submit
them.
DUE DATE: ____________________________________________________
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