Character Analysis and Traits
Characters and real-life people possess unique attributes known as traits. Have your students use the following list of character traits as a guideline when writing book reports. Don’t stop with this list; you can probably think of many more terms to describe the characters.
|
Trait-Positive |
Trait-Negative |
|
Attitude |
|
| accepts authority, loyal, devoted | rebellious |
| accepts what’s given | ignores, rejects what’s given |
| affectionate | distant, cold, aloof |
| aspiring, ambitious, motivated | self-satisfied, unmotivated |
| candid | closed, guarded, secretive |
| caring | uncaring, unfeeling, callous, insensitive |
| change ~ accepts, embraces | rejects change |
| cheerful | cheerless, gloomy, sour, grumpy |
| considerate, thoughtful | inconsiderate, thoughtless |
| cooperative | uncooperative, unhelpful, combative |
| courageous | cowering, fearful |
| courteous | rude, impolite |
| decisive | indecisive |
| devoted | uncommitted, uncaring, hostile |
| determined | indecisive, unsure |
| does what is necessary, righteous | does what is convenient |
| perseveres, endures | relents, gives up |
| enthusiastic | unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent |
| expansive | kept back, tight, constricting |
| faith in life | suspicious |
| faith in oneself | lack of faith in self |
| faith in others | distrusts others |
| flexible | inflexible, rigid, unbending, stubborn |
| forgiving | unforgiving, resentful, spiteful |
| focused | unfocused, scattered |
| freedom is given to others | authoritarian, controlling |
| friendly | unfriendly, distant, aloof, hostile |
| frugal, thrifty | wasteful, spendthrift |
| generous | stingy, miserly, selfish |
| goodwill | ill-will, malice, hatred |
| grateful | ungrateful, unappreciative |
| hardworking | lazy |
| honest | dishonest, deceiving, lying |
| humble | arrogant, conceited, ego-centric |
| interested | indifferent, uncaring |
| involved | complacent, indifferent |
| not jealous | jealous, envious, covetous |
| kind | unkind, cold, cruel, mean |
| mature | immature |
| modest | vain |
| open-minded, tolerant | narrow, closed, small-minded, intolerant |
| optimistic | pessimistic |
| perfectionist | allows imperfection |
| persistent, sustaining | fleeting, unsustaining |
| positive | negative |
| practical | impractical, not viable |
| punctual | late, not on time |
| realistic | unrealistic, impractical |
| reliable | unreliable, undependable |
| respectful | disrespectful, rude, impolite |
| takes responsibility | blames others |
| responsible | unreliable, undependable |
| responsive | unresponsive, unreceptive |
| self-confident | lack of self-confidence, insecure |
| self-directed | directed by externals |
| self-disciplined | undisciplined, unrestrained, indulgent |
| high self-esteem | low self-esteem, low confidence |
| self-giving | self-centered |
| self-reliant | dependent |
| selfless | selfish |
| sensitive | insensitive, indifferent |
| serious | frivolous, silly, trivial |
| sincere | insincere, dishonest |
| social independence | social approval required |
| sympathetic | unsympathetic, unfeeling |
| systematic | unsystematic, disorganized, disorderly, random |
| takes others’ points of view | insists on their view |
| thoughtful towards others | thoughtless, inconsiderate, insensitive |
| trusting | suspicious, mistrusting |
| unpretentious | pretentious, affected, ostentatious |
| unselfish | selfish |
| willingness | unwilling, reluctant, recalcitrant |
| work-oriented | convenience first |
Finding character traits
To determine character traits, students should ask themselves these questions. They should take notes as they read:
- What does the character say and do?
- What does the character think and feel?
- How does the character look?
- What do the other characters think of the character?
- How does the character make me feel?
Notice that:
- Character traits are descriptive adjectives.
- Authors may not directly state the trait; you must infer it.
Understanding character traits helps us to understand the story!
- Why do the characters say the things they say and act the way they do?
- Why do the characters think the way they do, or why do they have certain beliefs?
- Why do the characters interact with other characters the way they do?
- We can better predict what the character may do next.
- We can make inferences and conclude events in the story as we read.
Don’t confuse emotions with character traits. 
Have students reflect on their character traits. Developing positive character is vital! Ask your students: Do you have these character traits?
Responsibility Being accountable in word and deed. Having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment.
Perseverance Pursuing worthy objectives with determination and patience while exhibiting fortitude when confronted with failure.
Caring Showing an understanding of others by treating them with kindness, compassion, generosity, and a forgiving spirit.
Self-discipline Demonstrating hard work by controlling your emotions, words, actions, impulses, and desires, and giving your best in all situations.
Citizenship Being law-abiding and involved in service to school, community, and country.
Honesty Telling the truth, admitting wrongdoing. Being trustworthy and acting with integrity.
Courage Doing the right thing in the face of difficulty and following your conscience instead of the crowd.
Fairness Practicing justice, equity, and equality. Cooperating. Recognizing the uniqueness and value of each individual within our diverse society.
Respect Showing high regard for authority, other people, self, and country. Treating others as you would want to be treated. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.
Integrity Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. Integrity is the quality of being honest, trustworthy, and incorruptible.
Patriotism Patriotism is the love and loyalty one has for their country.
Copyright 09/12/2012
Edited on 07/30/2025
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