Direct and Indirect Characterization
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Direct and Indirect Characterization" is written for 6th Grade (Ages 11-12), and it covers Common Core RL.6.3. If your student is a year younger but already steady on story elements, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and character analysis never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
6th grade reading worksheet: mark 10 sentences as direct or indirect characterization, then rewrite 2 to show a trait. Answer key included. Part of our character analysis story elements collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with Direct and Indirect Characterization so students see how authors show traits. Then use the story sheets, asking for a quote behind every trait.
What students will practice
- Students will circle D or I for 10 sentences such as Kwame was a shy boy.
- Students will tell traits an author states from traits shown through actions, speech and looks.
- Students will rewrite 2 direct sentences to show shyness and curiosity without naming them.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Reading: Literature · 6th Grade
Standard: Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
View all RL.6.3 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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Start with Direct and Indirect Characterization so students see how authors show traits. Then use the story sheets, asking for a quote behind every trait.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Mark 10 sentences as direct or indirect characterization, then rewrite 2 to show a trait. Direct characterization tells you a trait (Leo was brave), and indirect characterization shows it (Leo stepped toward the growling dog). The directions on the page read: Read each sentence. Circle D if the author tells you what the character is like, or I if the author shows it through speech, thoughts, actions or looks. Then do Part B. 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 6th Grade story elements, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with character analysis. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
How do you prove a character trait?
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Copy a quote that shows it. In Character Traits With Text Evidence, Dami returning an extra twenty dollars shows he is honest, and slipping money under his sister's door shows he is generous.
What is character motivation?
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It is the reason behind what a character does. In What Drives a Character? Motivation, Mr. Osei goes to a reading class because he wants to read his granddaughter's letter.
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?
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Direct characterization tells a trait, like Kwame was a shy boy. Indirect characterization shows it through speech, thoughts, actions or looks. Direct and Indirect Characterization sorts 10 sentences.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 6th Grade |
| Subject | Reading |
| Topic | Story Elements |
| Standard | RL.6.3 |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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