English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Show character emotions and traits
Show character emotions and traits
What you'll learn
- Analyze a minimum of three dictionary entries for unfamiliar words from a provided text and accurately identify the part(s) of speech, multiple definitions (if applicable), etymology, and pronunciation key with 100% accuracy.
- Apply knowledge of dictionary entry components (pronunciation, part of speech, etymology, definitions) to accurately determine the intended meaning of five target words within the context of a provided complex sentence, justifying each choice with specific evidence from the dictionary entry.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different dictionary definitions in conveying the nuances of a word's meaning, selecting the most appropriate definition for a given context and explaining the rationale for that choice in a well-supported paragraph.
- Compare and contrast the information provided in two different dictionary entries (e.g., an online dictionary vs. a print dictionary) for the same word, identifying at least three similarities and three differences in their presentation and scope of information.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between 'telling' and 'showing' character emotions and traits.
Identify various techniques authors use to reveal character emotions and traits indirectly.
Analyze how specific actions, dialogue, and thoughts reveal a character's internal state.
Revise sentences that 'tell' into sentences that 'show' character emotions and traits.
Apply 'showing' techniques to develop more vivid and believable characters in their own narrative writing.
Explain how showing, rather than telling, enhances reader engagement and understanding of author's purpose.
Ever read a story where you *really* felt what a character was feeling, or understood exactly what kind of person they were, without the author ev...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Show, Don't TellA writing principle where authors reveal information about characters, settings, and events through actions, sensory details, and dialogue, rather than explicitly stating it.Telling: 'He was angry.' Showing: 'His jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his sides.'
Character TraitsThe distinguishing qualities or characteristics that make a character unique, such as brave, shy, curious, or honest.A character who always helps others might have the trait of 'kindness.'
Character EmotionsThe feelings a character experiences, such as joy, sadness, fear, anger, or excitement.When a character's eyes well up with tears and their voice cracks, they are likely feeling 'sadness.'
Indirect Characterization...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Action-Reaction Rule
To show an emotion or trait, describe what a character *does* or how their body *reacts* to a situation.
Instead of naming the emotion, focus on the physical manifestations. For example, instead of 'He was nervous,' describe his fidgeting hands, rapid breathing, or averted gaze. This helps readers infer the emotion themselves.
The Dialogue-Reveals Rule
Let a character's words, tone, and what they choose to say (or not say) reveal their personality and feelings.
Dialogue can show traits like wit, shyness, or arrogance. The way a character speaks (e.g., stuttering, shouting, whispering) can also convey emotions like fear, anger, or secrecy. Avoid simply stating 'He said angrily'; instead, write dialogue that *sounds* angry....
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Challenging
An author wants to show a character is secretly deceptive while appearing friendly. Which combination of techniques would be most effective in revealing this complex trait to the reader?
A.The character performs a kind action, and the narrator explains they are kind.
B.The character uses friendly dialogue with everyone they meet.
C.The character's inner thoughts reveal their true, manipulative plans, but their actions and dialogue are consistently kind and helpful.
D.The character's appearance is described as friendly and welcoming.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'Kevin was sad. His heart ached with sadness as he walked home, feeling the deep sadness in his soul.' This passage suffers from which common pitfall, and why?
A.Using Clichés, because 'heart ached' is overused.
B.Over-explaining the Emotion, because it repeatedly tells the reader the character is sad instead of trusting the showing details.
C.Inconsistent Character Portrayal, because Kevin's actions don't match his feelings.
D.Only Telling, because there are no showing details at all.
Challenging
In a story, a character named Aliyah is trying to decide whether to report her friend for cheating. Which piece of evidence would be the STRONGEST support for an argument that Aliyah's core trait is integrity?
A.Her action of walking to the teacher's office, even though her hands are shaking.
B.Her dialogue where she tells another friend, 'I don't know what to do.'
C.Her inner thought: 'This feels awful, but it's the right thing to do. I have to tell someone.'
D.The reaction of her friend, who gets angry when Aliyah confronts her.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Show character emotions and traits"?
Show character emotions and traits is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Show character emotions and traits?
You'll be able to: Analyze a minimum of three dictionary entries for unfamiliar words from a provided text and accurately identify the part(s) of speech, multiple definitions (if applicable), etymology, and pronunciation key with 100% accuracy….
Is "Show character emotions and traits" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Show character emotions and traits?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.