Setting

People act differently in different settings and setting can affect people in different ways.  Often times, the difference in people's behavior can be attributed to setting.

For example, often times I have told parents that their child is so quiet in class and hardly ever even raises their hand.  The parents can't believe what I am saying because at home their child is rambunctious and never stops talking.

So, looking at the setting, where and when the story takes place, can help you understand the characters.

As you read your book consider how the setting affects the characters.

Use these questions to guide you:

• How is the setting affecting the character? 

• Does it present challenges? 

• Does it help the character? 

• Is the setting creating a problem for the character? 

Character Traits

Character traits are valued aspects of a person's behavior. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, including our favorite fictional characters. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives such as patient, honest, or jealous. 

As you read your book consider how the character's traits affects him/her.

Use these questions to guide you:

• How are his/her traits affecting him/her? 

• Do  the traits present challenges? 

• Do the traits help the character? 

• Are his/her traits creating a problem for him/her? 

What Readers Think About When Reading Critically

• We notice the impact of the setting on the characters.

• We think about whether a character's traits affect him/her.

• We see the story from different characters' points of view.

• We consider how the social issue affects the story.

• We think about whether a character's actions are fair or unfair.

• We try to understand what the author is trying to teach us.

• We notice the pressure that characters face.

• We try to understand what a character really wants and feels.

• We study and interpret symbols to better understand the story.

• We think about who in the story has power over others.