Minds On

Character traits

Brainstorm

Let’s think about…

Much like real people, literary characters have individual traits and qualities that give them a personality. In fact, some writers will even develop their characters with a real person in mind to create a more multi-dimensional character. This makes the character more relatable and helps the reader to engage with the story on a deeper level.

Brainstorm a list of character traits that describe some of your favourite or relatable characters. Record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Complete the Character Traits Organizer 1 in your notebook or by using the following fillable and printable document.

Character Traits Organizer 1

Brainstorm a list of character traits that describe your favourite or relatable characters.

Character Traits

Character name

Trait(s) that character has

   
   
   
   
   
   

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Character Traits Organizer 1.

Action

Character traits in action

Character trait scenarios

Select five character traits from the list below.

independent kind funny polite serious
trustworthy determined cooperative talented proud

Then, create five different scenarios, each with different characters, that reflect the traits that you chose. Record your scenarios using a method of your choice.

Here’s an example for the character trait energetic:

A young boy with a yellow shirt standing next to his white bike.

Kai’s alarm went off at 7:30AM. They leaped out of bed and bounded down the stairs. After inhaling breakfast, they grabbed their bag, jumped on their bike and pedalled as fast as possible to school. This was the best part of Kai’s morning. They loved flying down steep hills, weaving through the streets, and feeling the cool morning breeze on their skin. Before they knew it, they had arrived in the school yard. Brrrrrrring! There goes the bell.

Character profile

In this next section, you will develop a profile for a character in a book or audiobook of your choice.

Part 1: As you read or listen to the story, focus your attention on one character and their unique traits.

Use the Character Traits Organizer below or another method of your choice to record at least five character traits. Be sure to support your thinking using examples from the text.

You can copy the Character Traits Organizer 2 in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document.

Character Traits Organizer 2

Story of Choice:

Character/ Trait

Example/ Evidence

   
   
   
   
   

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Character Traits Organizer 2.

Part 2: Use the character traits that you have identified to create a character profile. Who is this character really? Describe their traits, and feelings. What motivates them? What makes them interesting? What sort of adventures do they go on?

Again, be sure to use examples from the story (e.g., the character’s thoughts, actions, or word) to support your ideas.

Consolidation

Current events

Person reading the news.

Use the character profile that you created in the Action section to find two articles that you believe your character would read.

These articles need to be based on current events. You will have to use your imagination and your understanding of the character in order to do this section.

You will also need to explain why you believe they would be interested in the articles you chose.

For example, Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings, is an Ent who is a talking tree. At one point in the book series, Treebeard is angered by the Orcs in his woods that are cutting down trees. For this reason, it’s likely that Treebeard would be interested in articles about the environment and deforestation.

Use a method of your choice or the Current Events Articles Chart to record the articles that you select. You can copy the chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document.

Be sure to support your thinking using your character profile and explain why you selected each article.

Current Events Articles Chart

Story of Choice:

Current Events Article

Reasoning/ Evidence

   
   
   
   

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Current Events Articles Chart.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel...

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.