CHARACTER
TRAITS
http://www.cortlandschools.org/buildings/jshs/team1/mwinchell/documents/CharacterTraitsPPT.ppt#262,1,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.
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
• 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.
How to explain/prove a
person’s character traits:
State trait – give
example – make
connection
• 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.
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.”
• Anxious
• Athletic
• Competitive
• Worrisome
• Trustworthy
• Guilty
• Inspirational
• Encouraging
• Curious
• Courageous
• Precocious
• Intelligent
• Strong
• Youthful
• Inexperienced
• Lighthearted
• Funny
• Peaceful
• Serious
• Spectacular
• Comical
• Rhetorical
• Doubtful
• Fascinating
• Interesting
• Boring
• Frustrating
• Understanding
• Angry
• Happy
• Disgraceful
• Careful
• Sad
• Selfish
• Unkind
• Indifferent
• Ineffective
• Cowardly
• Damaging
• Brave
• Generous
• Enthusiastic
• Worried
• Friendly
• Superior