Characters are the people, animals, or beings in a story. The setting is where and when the story takes place.
Always ask yourself: Who is in the story, and where and when is it happening?
We understand characters by looking at what they say, what they do, and how they interact with others. Their choices and dialogue reveal their personalities and feelings.
Pay attention to a character’s actions and dialogue. They often reveal hidden traits or emotions.
The setting shapes the story’s events and influences how characters behave. Different settings create different challenges and moods.
Ask: How does the setting help or challenge the character? How does it make the story more exciting?
Authors show us what characters are like by describing what they do and say. Actions and dialogue are clues to their thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
When you read, think: What does the character’s action or dialogue tell me about who they are?