Name:_________________
Indirect Characterization Paragraph
9 (3) English
Write a descriptive story about a fictional character that SHOWS
one of the character’s traits INDIRECTLY rather than telling it
directly.
RULES:
1. Focus on one character, one personality trait, and one event.
2. The only place where you can name the trait or any synonyms is in the title
3. Use a variety of clues to SHOW the trait:
 Character’s appearance
 Character’s thoughts and feelings
 Character’s actions
 Character’s words
 Other characters’ reactions and opinions
 The character’s surroundings/the setting
4. Write a minimum of ten full sentences.
5. Type or neatly handwrite your story on lined paper. Please double-space.
EXAMPLE:
Scaredy Jack
Little Jack was waiting in the line outside of the pancake house with his mommy and daddy. It was a Sunday
morning, so the restaurant was packed, leaving many customers to stand outside while they waited for a table. To
amuse the customers as they waited, one of the workers dressed up in a knock-off Elmo suit and handed out balloons to
the children. Many children’s faces lit up as they saw their beloved friend from Sesame Street. Several of the tykes
formed a line in front of Elmo to receive their balloon. As soon as Jack spotted the furry red monster, however, he hid
behind his mother and grabbed her legs.
“Oh my, he’s shaking,” Mommy said to Daddy, who looked down at Jack and chuckled.
“Here we go, big guy,” Daddy said as he picked up Jack. “Let’s get you a balloon.”
“Boon, boon!” Jack shouted, but as they walked toward Elmo his excitement changed into something else.
As the six-foot Elmo waved his big, fuzzy hands, Jack threw his arms around his father’s neck and squeezed with all
his might, digging his tiny fingernails into the skin. He buried his face into his dad’s strong shoulder.
“It’s okay, buddy. Say hi to Elmo, Jack,” said Daddy, but instead of saying hi, Jack stuck out his bottom lip.
The lip began to shake. Jack closed his eyes tightly as tears started streaming down his flushed cheeks. When he
opened his mouth, first no sound was heard, but soon enough, came forth a piercing cry that made Elmo take several
steps back.
“MOMMM-YYYYY!” he yelled, and started kicking with all his might. Everyone stared at Jack’s dad as if
he were the cruelest parent in the world. He brought Jack back to Mommy, who rubbed her little boy’s back as he took
deep, sobbing breaths.
“No ‘mo. No ‘mo,” Jack said over and over and over.
Name:_________________
Indirect Characterization Paragraph
9 (3) English
PERSONALITY TRAIT:_____________________________ (a descriptive adjective about a person’s behavior)
Generous
Intelligent Shy Snobby Angry Sad Excited Afraid Annoyed
Focused Stressed
Selfish Embarrassed Friendly Lonely Cruel Confident …
CHARACTER_____________________________________________________________________
(name and age and occupation)
SETTING AND SITUATION:_________________________________________________________
(where the character is and what is going on)
BRAINSTORM ways to show the trait in that setting/situation
Appearance and body language
Inner thoughts and feelings
Actions
Others’ reactions and opinions
Words/what he/she says
Setting