Use actions and dialogue to understand characters
key notes :
In a story, the characters’ actions and dialogue can tell you what they are like and how they feel.
Maya’s face turned as red as a beetroot. ‘Did—did anyone see that?’ she stuttered.
Maya is embarrassed. You can tell because people often blush and stutter when they’re embarrassed.
Andrew was so scared he was shaking. Still, he held his head high and walked onto the stage.
Andrew is brave. You can tell because he goes onstage even though he’s scared.
Learn with an example
🔥Read the sentences.
When Sarah entered the room, Rose pretended not to see her. ‘Of course,’ Rose said to the rest of the group, ‘some people couldn’t be here on time. Some people had more important things to do.’
🔥Based on these sentences, how is Rose probably feeling?
- annoyed
- hopeless
The sentences show that Rose is annoyed. You can tell because when people are annoyed with someone, they might choose to ignore that person on purpose.
🔥Read the sentences.
Terence pushed his glasses up his nose. Then he crouched down so that he could look more closely at the insect.
🔥Based on these sentences, how is Terence probably feeling?
- content
- curious
The sentences show that Terence is curious. You can tell because a person feeling curious would want to get a closer look at something.
🔥Read the sentences.
Robert had prepared a special feast for his dog’s birthday. He was glad to see Burtie enjoying it.
🔥Based on these sentences, what is Robert probably like?
- caring
- brave
The sentences show that Robert is caring. You can tell because he goes out of his way to make his dog happy.
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