Use actions and dialogue to understand characters
Key Notes :
In a story, the characters’ actions and dialogue can tell you what they are like and how they feel.
Maya’s face turned as red as a beetroot. ‘Did—did anyone see that?’ she stuttered. Maya is embarrassed. You can tell because people often blush and stutter when they’re embarrassed.
Andrew was so scared he was shaking. Still, he held his head high and walked onto the stage. Andrew is brave. You can tell because he goes onstage even though he’s scared.
Learn with an example
➡️ Read the sentences.
By the end of the day, Kate had grown tired of all her new toys. It was time to think about what presents she wanted for her next birthday!
Based on these sentences, what is Kate probably like?
- loyal
- spoiled
The sentences show that Kate is spoiled. You can tell because she grows tired of new toys quickly.
➡️ Read the sentences.
Most of the class rushed to the bulletin board as Mr Harris pinned up the list of winners. Geetha just slumped in her chair.
Based on these sentences, how is Geetha probably feeling?
- hopeful
- hopeless
The sentences show that Geetha is hopeless. You can tell because she slumps in her chair, which shows that she does not have high hopes of winning.
➡️ Read the sentence.
David tilted his head as he gazed at the document, walking forwards to examine it more closely.
Based on this sentence, how is David probably feeling?
- irritated
- curious
The sentence shows that David is curious. You can tell because tilting your head and looking at something closely can both be signs of interest or curiosity.
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