Name: ________________________________________
6B- _____
Date: _________________________________
Writing: Independent Character Trait Paragraph  Directions
Assignment: Choose a main character from one of the books you read from our
Character Booklist. Describe this character with a thoughtful, observant character
trait that reveals his or her core nature.
Process:
1. Find the best quote-trait note that you have for your book notes.
2. Outline this quote and trait. (See SchoolWires > Writing > Independent
Character Trait ¶ for an outline.)
3. Draft your paragraph. (Type your outline as a single paragraph.)
4. Edit and revise your paragraph, using a SELF Checklist. Make sure you
SHOW YOUR WORK, meaning that you make comments and corrections in
RED or GREEN INK on the paper copy of your rough draft. (See SchoolWires
> Writing > Independent Character Trait ¶ for a SELF Checklist.)
5. Have a peer edit and revise your newly edited paragraph, using a PEER
checklist. Make sure your peer SHOWS HIS or HER WORK, meaning that
your peer make comments and corrections in RED or GREEN INK on the
paper copy of your rough draft. (See SchoolWires > Writing > Independent
Character Trait ¶ for a PEER Checklist.)
6. Submit your final paragraph, including all of the paperwork from the process.
The Task: Think 1-1-1-1: Write a single paragraph in which you describe a single
character from Schooled with the single character trait and single quote of your
choice. Within this paragraph, name your character and your trait. Use the single
best quote you can find. Develop your quote by clearly providing A) a summary of
the background information, or context, for this quote; B) the quote, as evidence; and
C) an in-depth interpretation, or explanation, of what the quote suggests. Finally,
conclude your paragraph with a wise book-to-world connection, known as an
insight statement, using the character’s personality and situation in this book to
shed light on life or human nature outside the book, in the world at large.
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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, etc.); your reader (you, your, yours, etc.);
or your writing (in this paragraph…; this quote proves that…; in conclusion…; etc.).
Character Traits: A character trait is a distinguishing descriptive word (an
adjective) that describes an important part of a character’s personality. To single
out a character trait for a character, think about what this character 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 characters’
dialogue, actions, feelings, and thoughts regarding your character. Think D.A.F.T.:
Dialogue, Actions, Feelings, and Thoughts.
Often the most revealing, dramatic, or meaningful moments in the book will
provide you with your evidence. During these moments, characters define
themselves, similar to the way that people in the real world do the same. In other
words, your identification of a character trait should show understanding and
wisdom, or insight, into the most fundamental nature of a character and should not
be a stereotype, which would fail to recognize the deeper  possibly less obvious
but no less true  side of a character.
You should also avoid traits that are too general, too simple, or too superficial
(nice, funny, cool, mean, special, amazing, etc.). Avoid judgmental language (weird,
stupid, dumb, abnormal, clueless, cocky, etc.). And beware of moods or temporary
reactions that don’t really show the core nature of a character (shocked, surprised,
amused, etc.).
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Examples of Character Traits:
Self-Assured, Confident
Selfless, Humble, Modest, Unassuming,
Respectful, Attentive
Loyal, Altruistic, Faithful
Mature, Responsible, Trustworthy
Wholesome, Philanthropic, Humane,
Compassionate, Empathetic, Pacifistic,
Even-Tempered, Easy-Going,
Benevolent, Noble, Virtuous, Dignified
Honest, Sincere, Candid, Outspoken
Observant, Perceptive, Wise, Insightful
Open-Minded, Adaptable, Reflective,
Fair, Impartial, Unbiased,
Rational, Even-Handed, Conscientious,
Righteous, Well-Intentioned, Tolerant,
Lenient
Courageous, Bold, Audacious, Brave,
Assertive, Uninhibited, Expressive
Moral, Ethical, Scrupulous, Honorable,
Reputable, Genuine, Unpretentious
Insecure, Timid, Fearful, Awkward
Self-Centered, Narcissistic, Conceited,
Arrogant, Superficial, Materialistic, SelfAbsorbed, Self-Righteous
Disloyal, Opportunistic
Immature, Irresponsible, Untrustworthy
Malicious, Malevolent, Mischievous,
Inhumane, Insidious, Conniving,
Argumentative, Quarrelsome,
Aggressive, Restless, Irritable,
Cantankerous, Ill-Tempered
Dishonest, Insincere, Deceitful,
Conniving
Apathetic, Gullible, Passive, Vulnerable,
Foolish, Naïve, Ignorant
Close-Minded, Stubborn, Judgmental,
Critical, Cynical, Biased, Prejudiced,
Intolerant, Bigoted, Discriminatory,
Narrow-Minded, Opinionated, Unjust
Fearful, Regretful, Cowardly, Meek,
Timid, Shy, Retiring, Reserved,
Withdrawn, Solitary, Inhibited, Shameful
Immoral, Unethical, Unprincipled,
Unscrupulous, Dishonorable, Corrupt,
Fraudulent, Deceitful, Duplicitous,
Hypocritical
Pessimistic, Negative
Powerless, Submissive
Despicable, Loathsome, Rude, Smug
Miserly, Spiteful, Unmerciful
Impatient
Anti-Social, Deviant
Inferior, Self-Conscious
Optimistic, Hopeful, Idealist
Powerful, Domineering
Charismatic, Charming, Polite
Generous, Charitable
Patient
Introverted, Extroverted
Superior, Ambitious, Power-Hungry,
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
Notes: A character trait is NOT…
*a physical description: tall, short, messy, neat, etc.
*a noun: leader, follower, hippy, bully, athlete, etc.
*a temporary mood or reaction: horrified, thrilled, surprised, amused, etc.
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Final Packet:
*Put your papers in a sheet protector in this order, from top to bottom, UNSTAPLED.
1. Final draft. (Highlight your topic sentence; your evidence / quote; and your
insight statement; otherwise, your final draft should be clean.)
2. PEER Checklist(s). (You need a full heading on this sheet, including your
name and your peer’s name, as well as the checklist number.)
3. PEER Rough Draft(s). (Peer rough drafts should show comments and
corrections in red or green ink; you should include the peer checklist for your
writing in your packet; do NOT include the peer checklist you completed for
your peer here.)
4. SELF Checklist(s). (You need a full heading on this sheet, including your
name, as well as the checklist number.)
5. SELF Rough Draft(s). (Self rough drafts should show comments and
corrections in red or green ink.)
6. Outline
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