When we read a story, we can learn about the characters by paying attention to what they say and what they do. A character’s dialogue (the words they speak) and their actions help us understand who they are and how they feel.
Don’t just look at what the character says. Think about how they say it and what they do right after.
Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a story. It shows us what they are thinking, feeling, or planning. Dialogue can also move the story forward.
Think about what the character’s words tell you that is not written directly in the story.
A character’s actions show us what kind of person they are. Sometimes, actions tell us more than words. Actions help readers understand feelings, choices, and changes in a character.
Ask yourself: What do the character’s choices and actions tell me about them?
Good readers look at both dialogue and actions to understand characters. When you connect what characters say with what they do, you get a clearer picture of who they are.
Characters can change during a story. Watch how their words and actions are different at the beginning and end.