The Super Six Clues to Understanding Character

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The Super Six Clues to Understanding Character

In order to fully understand a character in a book, play, or poem you must closely examine the following 6:

1. Characters’ Actions

2. Characters’ Language

3. Characters’ Thoughts

4. Characters’ Body Language

5. Characters’ Physical Descriptions

6. How others Relate to a character.

Characters’ Actions

Peter was one of the most popular students in the school. He was captain of the football team and president of the student council. For a long time Katy had liked Peter, but from afar, for she was very shy. A week before the turn-about dance, Katy, after building up her courage for weeks, asked Peter to go with her. He looked at her, smiled, and explained that he already had a date. Katy’s face fell. Peter noticed her look. He then asked her to a movie the next week.

Your turn:

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Characters’ Language

“Oh, man, I’m tellin’ you, man, it was the best, man. When they came out, the lights go down and then the lasers shootin’ all over the place. Totally awesome. And then these awesome speakers, man, unbelievable. The best.”

Your turn:

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Characters’ Thoughts

It seemed class would never end. Tom’s mind began wandering. He thought about that big problem in the cafeteria. At least Tom thought of it as a big problem. He just couldn’t seem to decide what he wanted in the lunch line. The line must have been a mile long and they were all laughing. “I’ll never go back,” thought Tom.

Your turn:

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Characters’ Body Language.

Everyone was there. Of course, it was the first dance of junior high. Sam watched from the corner. He held his hands behind him, occasionally bouncing them to the rhythm of the music. When laughing couples passed him, he dropped his eyes and held his breath.

Your turn:

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Characters’ physical descriptions

These eyebrows weren’t Annie’s. Hers had been plucked and new ones drawn in at a more radical angle, and angle repeated by the line of her hair, which was pulled severely off to one side. Her lips were painted a deep reed. Her brown eyes were highlighted by silver stars carefully affixed to her enormously high cheekbones.

Your turn:

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How Others Relate to Characters

The cafeteria was packed. Ten to twelve people were crowded around tables designed to seat eight. The chatter of conversation and the clicking of glasses and silverware were a symphony of disarray. But when V.J. entered the cafeteria, conversation stopped. Four freshman boys stuffed half-finished lunches into paper bags and left. V.J. sat down, looked about, and smiled.

Your turn:

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