When authors plan a story, they decide who the characters will be. Characters are the people or animals the story is about. 

Readers learn about characters by paying attention to details in the text. Authors use words and illustrations to help readers understand what characters look like on the outside or their external traits. You can use details about external traits to help you get to know a character.

External traits are the character’s:

• hair (color, length),
• clothing (kind, color),
• height,
• facial expressions, and
• actions.

Some details in the text help you learn about a character’s personality or internal traits.

Internal traits are the character’s:

• thoughts and words, and
• feelings.

Sometimes these traits are more difficult to notice. For example, an author may give information about a character using dialogue. Look for words that explain how the character speaks. Use the details to learn more about the character’s personality.

 Read Aloud: Student Instructions

To practice identifying external and internal traits of the main character, read Violet the Pilot (online textbook: Classroom Library).

Before you begin, PREVIEW the text and PREDICT what the text will be about. You may write your prediction down (optional). As you read the story, you can then confirm or reject your prediction.

Read Aloud Steps

• Step 1: Read each question aloud. Pause after each of the page numbers to think about your answer.
• Step 2: Answer the questions aloud with someone. You do not need to write or turn in the answers for this section.

Parent/Guardian: Check the student's responses with the answer key

, Reading: Characters (1.3.1).

1. p. 6: What do you know about Violet? Use details from the text and pictures to tell what Violet looks like and how she acts.
2. p. 35: How does missing the air show make Violet feel? Why might she feel this way?
3. p. 39: What happened to Violet as a result of her actions at the river? How do you think the event at the end of the story makes Violet feel?

When you have completed reading the story, answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences.

1. pp. 5-6: In the beginning, why is Violet “a little different” from the other people in town? What does this tell you about Violet’s character?
2. pp. 18-20: How do the other kids at school act toward Violet? Why does Violet want to take part in the air show?
3. pp. 31-34: What does Violet do on her way to the air show? What do Violet’s actions tell you about her character?