How does understanding character traits help you understand
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How does understanding character traits help you understand a short story? PA @ 71
Do Now • How would you describe yourself? • What adjectives would you use?
What are character traits? • Character traits are adjectives used to describe a character in a text. • Understanding the traits of a character can go a long way in understanding that character's thoughts and actions in a text. • However, each trait MUST be based on evidence from the text!
Activity • Read the following paragraph. • Write down three character traits for this character. • Make sure you write evidence from the text that supports your character trait.
Elisa tossed a pair of sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and four pairs of cotton socks into her suitcase, then zipped it up exultantly. She was ready! A few hours later, she and Carrie would be on the bus headed for the airport. They were flying from California to take part in the World Indoor Rowing Championship competitions. This year’s events were being held Saturday and Sunday in Boston. The winners had a chance of making the U. S. rowing teams at the next summer Olympics. Elisa wanted to win so much she could taste it.
Mitch had just slung his book bag over his shoulder and was pushing the screen door open when his father yelled something after him. He couldn’t hear the words over his headset, but with one thumb he flicked the music off, halted and looked back. “Huh? ” he responded, suddenly feeling trapped. Mitch’s dad had that look on his face that announced he was in a testy mood. “ I said, ” he replied unpleasantly, “Where do you think your going dressed like that? ” Mitch gazed down, then answered innocently, “The library. Dressed like what? ” “You look like you’re wearing the trousers of someone ten inches taller than yourself and twice as big around! Those jeans are so baggy you could trip on them!”
In your Code. X book: • Read pages 13 and 14 of “Tuesday of the Other June. ” • Answer questions 6 and 10 in your CA notebook. • Turn to a partner to discuss your answers when your done.