Character Traits
Module 7 - Lesson 1
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn how to describe characters in a story. You’ll look at what characters say, do, think, and feel to understand them better. You will also see the difference between a character’s looks (physical appearance) and their personality (what they are like on the inside). Through fun activities, you’ll practice using clear words to explain characters and show what you notice about them.
Lesson Objective
In this lesson, you will
Describe a story's characters in terms of character traits
What Are Character Traits?
Character traits are the personality qualities that make each character unique. They describe who a character is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside.
Characters in books, movies, and real life exhibit a variety of traits.
How can you identify the main elements of a character's personality?
You can figure out a character’s personality by looking at what they say, what they do, and what they think or feel. Pay attention to how they treat other people and how others react to them. These clues help you understand who the character really is beyond just their appearance.
To really understand a story, you need to look closely at the characters—not just who they are by name, but what kind of people they are. This means paying attention to their actions, words, thoughts, and feelings. When you know how a character thinks and behaves, it becomes easier to understand their choices and the message of the story.
Why do characters act the way they do?
A character’s traits—such as being shy, brave, kind, or selfish—can shape the choices they make and how they react to events in a story. When we understand a character’s traits, it helps us predict their actions and see why they behave in certain ways.
Practice 1: Identifying traits
Maria saw her friend drop a stack of books in the hallway. She quickly bent down to help, smiling as she said, 'Don’t worry, I’ve got you.' Later, when another classmate asked for a pencil, Maria handed one over without hesitation.
What can you tell about how Maria treats others?
kind and helpful
mean and selfish
Practice 2: Identifying traits
"James sat quietly at his desk during group work. When his classmates asked for his ideas, he shrugged and said, 'I don’t care, you decide.' Later, he doodled in his notebook instead of joining the discussion."
What trait does James has based on how he treats others?
uninterested
hardworking
Understanding character traits helps us see why characters act the way they do. When we pay attention to their words, actions, thoughts, and feelings, we can understand the story better and even predict what might happen next.
See you in the next class!
M7-L1: Character Traits
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Created on September 15, 2025
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Transcript
Character Traits
Module 7 - Lesson 1
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn how to describe characters in a story. You’ll look at what characters say, do, think, and feel to understand them better. You will also see the difference between a character’s looks (physical appearance) and their personality (what they are like on the inside). Through fun activities, you’ll practice using clear words to explain characters and show what you notice about them.
Lesson Objective
In this lesson, you will
Describe a story's characters in terms of character traits
What Are Character Traits?
Character traits are the personality qualities that make each character unique. They describe who a character is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside.
Characters in books, movies, and real life exhibit a variety of traits.
How can you identify the main elements of a character's personality?
You can figure out a character’s personality by looking at what they say, what they do, and what they think or feel. Pay attention to how they treat other people and how others react to them. These clues help you understand who the character really is beyond just their appearance.
To really understand a story, you need to look closely at the characters—not just who they are by name, but what kind of people they are. This means paying attention to their actions, words, thoughts, and feelings. When you know how a character thinks and behaves, it becomes easier to understand their choices and the message of the story.
Why do characters act the way they do?
A character’s traits—such as being shy, brave, kind, or selfish—can shape the choices they make and how they react to events in a story. When we understand a character’s traits, it helps us predict their actions and see why they behave in certain ways.
Practice 1: Identifying traits
Maria saw her friend drop a stack of books in the hallway. She quickly bent down to help, smiling as she said, 'Don’t worry, I’ve got you.' Later, when another classmate asked for a pencil, Maria handed one over without hesitation.
What can you tell about how Maria treats others?
kind and helpful
mean and selfish
Practice 2: Identifying traits
"James sat quietly at his desk during group work. When his classmates asked for his ideas, he shrugged and said, 'I don’t care, you decide.' Later, he doodled in his notebook instead of joining the discussion."
What trait does James has based on how he treats others?
uninterested
hardworking
Understanding character traits helps us see why characters act the way they do. When we pay attention to their words, actions, thoughts, and feelings, we can understand the story better and even predict what might happen next.
See you in the next class!