Analyzing Character Traits



Reading Skills: Analyzing Character Traits

When describing a character’s traits, you are describing their personality (not what they look like.) Adjectives, or describing words describe a character’s personality. See the box on the back for a list of adjectives that describe characters’ personalities. Feel free to add to the list. (Notice that there are no words like tall, brown hair, skinny… These words describe what someone looks like, not their personality.)

Authors use various techniques to help readers understand the personality traits of the characters. Sometimes, authors will use direct characterization and tell you exactly what the character is like. For example,

She reached down for Kirsti’s hand, but Kirsti, always stubborn, refused it and put her hands on her hips defiantly.

Sometimes an author will use indirect characterization. Instead of telling you what the character is like, the author will give you clues through the actions or dialogue of the characters. You often need to use those clues to infer what the character is like.

Once he (Peter) had been like a fun-loving brother to Annemarie and Kirsti, teasing and tickling, always a source of foolishness and pranks. Now he still stopped by the apartment often, and his greetings to the girls were warm and smiling, but he was usually in a hurry, talking quickly to Mama and Papa about things Annemarie didn’t understand. He no longer sang the nonsense songs that had once made Annemarie and Kirsti shriek with laughter. And he never lingered anymore.

In the example above, the author gives you clues by telling you how the character of Peter acted. He was no longer fun loving, he no longer sang and joked with the girls. He no longer did the fun things he used to. Using this information, we’re able to infer that his personality was serious or less joyful.

Resource List of Adjectives

That Describe Characters’ Personalities

|Adventurous |Cruel |Humble |Naughty |Spiteful |

|Aggressive |Daring |Imaginative |Nosy |Stubborn |

|Aloof |Determined |Impatient |Obnoxious |Suspicious |

|Anxious |Dignified |Impish |Optimistic |Timid |

|Assertive |Distrustful |Impulsive |Overbearing |Treacherous |

|Bashful |Energetic |Incompetent |Peaceful |Trustworthy |

|Bitter |Evil |Innocent |Pessimistic |Tyrannical |

|Bloodthirsty |Fierce |Insincere |Practical |Unfaithful |

|Boisterous |Foolish |Inventive |Rational |Ungrateful |

|Bossy |Friendly |Joyful |Realistic |Unhappy |

|Brave |Fussy |Kind |Reasonable |Unique |

|Brutal |Gentle |Knowledgeable |Rebellious |Unpopular |

|Capable |Grouchy |Lazy |Reckless |Unruly |

|Careful |Gullible |Lively |Rowdy |Unwise |

|Careless |Harsh |Loving |Sarcastic |Vain |

|Cheerful |Haughty |Loyal |Secretive |Villainous |

|Clever |Helpful |Modest |Silly |Vivacious |

|Confident |Heroic |Moody |Sincere |Weak |

|Confused |Hopeful |Morbid |Snobby |Wise |

|Cowardly |Humane |Mysterious |Sociable |Witty |

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Name _____________________________________

Character Trait Analysis

|Character |Trait with Evidence from the Text |Direct / Indirect |

|Kirsti |Stubborn: “She reached down for Kirsti’s hand, but Kirsti, always stubborn, refused it and put her hands on her hips defiantly.” -- Pg. 4 |Direct |

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