Describing Characters...Am I Being as Precise as Possible

Describing Characters…Am I Being as Precise as Possible?

We use the precise, exact word that fits the character perfectly at that part of the story. We ask ourselves:

• What is my character’s pattern of behavior?

• What clues does the author give with body language or tone of voice?

• How are the secondary (other) characters reacting to him/her?

• What examples from the text can I use to support my thinking?

We use precise traits with evidence to build a theory. We ask ourselves:

• WHY is the character this way?

• What has happened in his or her life to make him or her this way?

• Who has hurt or helped them along the way?