IXL | Show character emotions and traits

You are writing a story about Ted, who goes to see a play. Choose the best description to show that Ted is not well behaved.

When the curtain was raised, Ted clapped his hands excitedly along with everyone else.

Ted waved his arms and shouted, "Come on, start the show!"

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Learn with an example

question

You are writing a story about Ellie, who is trying to study. Choose the best description to show that Ellie is on edge.

Try as she might, Ellie could not block out the chatter. She slapped her desk and said, "Shh!"

Ellie buried her face in her hands and sighed.

key idea

A story usually shows what its characters are like and how they feel. When you write, try to use actions and dialogue to show these things about your characters. Doing so helps bring your characters to life for the reader.

For example, maybe you want to show that your character is embarrassed.

Maya's face turned red, and she ducked her head.

"Did—did everyone see that?" Maya stuttered.

People often blush and stutter when they're embarrassed. Either of these sentences would help show the reader how Maya is feeling.

solution

The first description shows that Ellie is on edge.

Try as she might, Ellie could not block out the chatter. She slapped her desk and said, "Shh!"

The other description doesn't show this. It makes the reader think Ellie feels hopeless.

Ellie buried her face in her hands and sighed.

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Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

I.1Use actions and dialogue to understand characters

JJ.4Insert dialogue into a story

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