What Drives a Character? Motivation

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.

Find what 5 characters want and why, from Rafael and the old dog to Tomás and his lunch speech. A character's motivation is the reason behind what he or she does, the thing the character wants and why. The directions on the page read: Read each scene. Write what the character wants and why. Then copy the exact words from the scene that are your clue. An answer key is included.

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.

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.

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.

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.