Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers Common Core RL.8.3. A 7th grader who is already steady on story elements can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.


2 pages in this set
8th grade reading worksheet: trace junior lifeguard Mateo through his words and choices after he freezes during a live drill. Answer key included. Part of our character analysis story elements collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Read the story aloud, then have students complete the chart before writing answers. Discuss which quotations give the strongest evidence.
What students will practice
- Students will copy three things Mateo says and explain what each reveals.
- Students will record two choices Mateo makes and what led to each.
- Students will explain how Mateo changes and write a one-sentence character analysis.

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Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Reading: Literature · 8th Grade
Standard: Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
View all RL.8.3 worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this character analysis worksheet?
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Read the story aloud, then have students complete the chart before writing answers. Discuss which quotations give the strongest evidence.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Trace junior lifeguard Mateo through his words and choices after he freezes during a live drill. The directions on the page read: Read the story. Then complete the organizer on page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this character analysis worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade story elements, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What does a character's dialogue reveal?
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Dialogue shows what a character thinks, fears and values. When Mateo says he kept picturing himself messing up, readers learn what made him freeze.
What is an orphan hero?
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An orphan hero grows up without a parent's guidance and must prove who he or she is. Arthur and Telemachus are the examples on the page.
How do you write a character analysis sentence?
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Name the character, state a trait or change and point to the evidence that shows it. Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices ends with this one-sentence analysis.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Reading |
| Topic | Story Elements |
| Standard | RL.8.3 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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Old Archetypes in a New Story

The War of the Worlds Before Reading, Watched From Mars


The War of the Worlds Before Reading, The Falling Star

The War of the Worlds Discussion, The Cylinder Opens

The War of the Worlds Discussion, The White Flag


The War of the Worlds Discussion, Toward London


War of the Worlds Discussion, The Artilleryman's Plan


The War of the Worlds Response, Home Again