Character Sketch Rubric
5
3
1
Character
Description
(x 2)
I paint a word picture of my character
through physical description and
personality traits. I SHOW my
character instead of just telling about
him/her.
I describe my character through
physical description and personality
traits. I tell examples instead of
showing them.
I hardly describe my character
through physical description and/or
personality traits.
Character
Shaping
Event
(x 2)
I describe an event that affects the
character’s behavior and/or
personality and tell how the event
changed the character.
I describe an event that affects the
character’s behavior and/or
personality, but don’t tell how the
event changed the character.
I tell about an important event, but it
isn’t a character-shaping event that
really affects that character.
I include a quote that reveals
something about the character’s
personality.
I include a quote from the character,
but it doesn’t tell much about his/her
personality.
I include examples of how the
character changes throughout the
book, but I don’t explain why the
changes are important.
I have a pretty good sequence of
ideas. Most of the paper flows
smoothly.
There are a few noticeable errors. I
didn’t catch all of my mistakes.
My examples of the character
changing through the book don’t
I include a quote that reveals
something about the character’s
personality. I explain what this quote
tells about the character.
I include examples of how the
Character
character changes throughout the book
Change
and explain the importance of the
(x 2)
changes.
Organization I have a good sequence of ideas. My
ideas flow smoothly.
(x 1)
Character
Quote
(x 1)
Grammar,
Spelling,
Mechanics
(x 1)
Format
(x 1)
It’s tough to find any errors at all. I
have thoroughly proofread my paper.
I correctly followed the format the teacher asked for.
Name, date, and period in the upper right- hand corner,
centered title, double-spaced and 1-2 pages in length.
(Must go on to the 2nd page.)
Total Possible: 50 points
My sequence of ideas jumps around.
My writing does not flow. I need to
organize my thoughts.
There are noticeable errors that make
the paper difficult to read.
I followed some of the teacher’s formatting guidelines.
Example:
Anne Probasco
Period 1
Oct. 21, 2008
Character Sketch
Dallas Winston or "Dally" is one of the main characters in the book The Outsiders.
He is a very dynamic character. He is the toughest member of the outsiders' gang. He
grew up in New York where he was toughened into a cold hater of the whole world.
Dally's first characteristic is that he is tough. Even though he has elfish features
and white-blond hair, he has blazing and icy blue eyes. In New York he was arrested
when he was ten. He is the toughest, meanest, and bitterest of the group. “You get tough
like me and you don’t get hurt. You look out for yourself and nothin’ can touch you.”
(Pg. 147)