IXL | Show character emotions and traits

You are writing a story about Francesca, who is a new student. Choose the best description to show that Francesca is shy.

Francesca glanced at the clock. How was it not even noon yet? Sighing, she rested her head on the desk.

Francesca buried her hands in her pockets and fixed her eyes on the floor.

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Learn with an example

question

You are writing a story about Sharon, who is new at school. Choose the best description to show that Sharon is lonely.

Sharon politely asked Joey to take his backpack off the seat so she could sit.

Sharon sat by herself at lunch and held back tears while she ate.

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 second description shows that Sharon is lonely. She isn't sitting with other people and is holding back tears.

Sharon sat by herself at lunch and held back tears while she ate.

The other description doesn't show this. It makes the reader think Sharon is trying to make new friends.

Sharon politely asked Joey to take his backpack off the seat so she could sit.

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Not feeling ready yet? This can help:

C.1Use actions and dialogue to understand characters

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