MES
Grade 7
Identifying Characters Through Characterization
An author often gives characters several different traits to make them seem real and
believable.
Read each paragraph below and the words that follow. Circle the letter in front of all words that are
character traits of the person described in that paragraph. Circle the words or phrases that led you
to that conclusion.
1- Pam was smiling as she watched her new puppy playing in the sun. Carefully she picked it
up, stroked its soft fur, and said, “I’ll take good care of you.” Pam had read several books
about pet care, andshe knew that a puppy would mean work as well as fun. When she looked
at her puppy, she felt that she was ready for the responsibility.
Pam is .
a. Caring and responsible c. detached and careless
b. Sensitive d. nervous
2- Before going on to the next step, Brandon consulted his notes. He then reached for one of the
chemicals on the shelf, which he slowly poured into the container. Then, he checked the next
step. He saidto himself, “I’m not going to let anything go wrong with this experiment.”
Brandon is .
a. Meticulous and determined c. thoughtless
b. Reckless d. diligent
Read each passage. Then circle the letter in front of the answer that best completes each question.
3- Arnold seems always to be in a bad mood lately. His sister has tried telling jokes to cheer him up
but that hasn’t worked. His parents have tried to get him to tell them what’s bothering him, but he has
refused. At present, Arnold just seems to enjoy being grumpy.
You learn about Arnold’s character traits .
a. through his speech c. through his thoughts
b. through description d. through his actions
You can tell that Arnold’s sister and parents are _ .
a. moody b. funny c. foolish d. caring and concerned
MES
Grade 7
4- Barbara saw her sister, Ellen, heading across the street. “Who said you could borrow my bike?”
Barbara yelled. “It’s an emergency,” said Ellen. “My bike has a flat tire and I’m late for soccer
practice.” “You knew that tire was flat this morning,” Barbara said furiously. “You never ask to borrow
anything, you just take!” Then Barbara took the handle bars and began leading her bike away.
From this passage, you can tell that Ellen is .
a. cheerful b. shy c. thoughtless d. caring
From this passage you can tell that Barbara is .
a. cheerful b. determined c. shy d. selfish
The characters are revealed .
a. through description c. through Ellen and Barbara’s speech
b. through Ellen’s thoughts d. through Barbara’s description
Recognizing Character Traits: Characterization refers both to the personality of a character and the way
in which an author reveals that personality. A character’s personality is made up of different qualities, or
character traits, that the reader discovers as the work unfolds. Some characters show only one major
character trait; others show a number of different traits and are more like real people. Some characters
change as a result of their experiences; others remain the same.
Read the following passage, and then answer the questions below it.
5- When Mrs. Halpern saw what the dog had done, she lost her temper completely. “That dog goes
straight to the pound!” she screamed. Just then Louella, the neighborhood gossip, came barging in. “I
suppose it was that stray dog that broke all the dishes.” She said. “I told you a stray would only mean
trouble. I remember when the Johansson boy brought a stray home. “She broke off as a loud banging voice
came from the yard. Mrs. Halpern walked outside with Louella.
There she saw her daughter Katey with a hammer in hand, putting together wood pieces together in
what appeared to be a doghouse.
Katey looked up, a claim in her eyes. “I thought if I always kept him on a leash or tied up here “
Mrs. Halpern’s eyes softened as she viewed the hard efforts her daughter had made. “All right,” she
said. “You can keep the beast. But just be sure that he doesn’t get inside the house again.
MES
Grade 7
1- Which character traits does Mrs. Halpern show?
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2- What is the type of Louella’s character?
a) Flat b) round c) static d) dynamic
3- What are the motivations that explain Mrs. Halpern actions?
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*Remember: actions reveal traits and motivations.
Character Motivation: Motivation is a feeling, an idea, or a goal that causes a character to act in a certain
way. Sometimes a character’s motivation is clearly stated by the author. Sometimes motivation is not
clearly stated but can be determined from a character’s words and actions.
Read the following passage from Anne of Green Gables, in which a neighbor meets Anne for the first
time. Then answer the questions below it.
6- “Well, they didn’t pick you for your looks, that’s for sure and certain,” was Mrs. Rachel Lynde’s
emphatic comment. Mrs. Rachel was one of those delightful and popular people who pride themselves on
speaking their mind without fear or favor…”Come here, child, and let me have a look at you. Lawful heart,
did anyone ever see such freckles? And hair as red as carrots! Come here, child, I say.”
Anne “came there,” but not exactly as Mrs. Rachel expected. With one bound she crossed the
kitchen floor and stood before Mrs. Rachel, her face scarlet…
“I hate you,” she cried in a choked voice, stamping her foot on the floor. “I hate you—I hate you—I
hate you—“ a louder stamp with each assertion of hatred. “How dare you call me skinny and ugly?...How
would you like to be told that you are fat and clumsy and probably hadn’t a spark of imagination in you?”
MES
Grade 7
1. What motivates Mrs. Lynde to give her opinion of Anne’s appearance?
2. What motivates Anne to be rude to Mrs. Lynde?
3- What can you tell about Mrs. Lynde’s personality? Mention her obvious character traits.
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