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The Super Six Clues to Understanding Character
In order to fully understand a character in a
book, play, or poem you must closely examine the
following 6:
1. Characters’ Actions
2. Characters’ Language
3. Characters’ Thoughts
4. Characters’ Body Language
5. Characters’ Physical Descriptions
6. How others Relate to a character.
Characters’ Actions
Peter was one of the most popular students in the school. He was captain of the
football team and president of the student council. For a long time Katy had liked
Peter, but from afar, for she was very shy. A week before the turn-about dance,
Katy, after building up her courage for weeks, asked Peter to go with her. He looked
at her, smiled, and explained that he already had a date. Katy’s face fell. Peter
noticed her look. He then asked her to a movie the next week.
Your turn:
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Characters’ Language
“Oh, man, I’m tellin’ you, man, it was the best, man. When they came out, the lights
go down and then the lasers shootin’ all over the place. Totally awesome. And then
these awesome speakers, man, unbelievable. The best.”
Your turn:
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Characters’ Thoughts
It seemed class would never end. Tom’s mind began wandering. He thought about
that big problem in the cafeteria. At least Tom thought of it as a big problem. He
just couldn’t seem to decide what he wanted in the lunch line. The line must have
been a mile long and they were all laughing. “I’ll never go back,” thought Tom.
Your turn:
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Characters’ Body Language.
Everyone was there. Of course, it was the first dance of junior high. Sam watched
from the corner. He held his hands behind him, occasionally bouncing them to the
rhythm of the music. When laughing couples passed him, he dropped his eyes and
held his breath.
Your turn:
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Characters’ physical descriptions
These eyebrows weren’t Annie’s. Hers had been plucked and new ones drawn in at
a more radical angle, and angle repeated by the line of her hair, which was pulled
severely off to one side. Her lips were painted a deep reed. Her brown eyes were
highlighted by silver stars carefully affixed to her enormously high cheekbones.
Your turn:
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How Others Relate to Characters
The cafeteria was packed. Ten to twelve people were crowded around tables
designed to seat eight. The chatter of conversation and the clicking of glasses and
silverware were a symphony of disarray. But when V.J. entered the cafeteria,
conversation stopped. Four freshman boys stuffed half-finished lunches into paper
bags and left. V.J. sat down, looked about, and smiled.
Your turn:
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