What Are Character Traits in a Story?
There are so many interesting things that we learn in the English Language, but one of the most fun things that come with English is story writing. Now, within the story writing stuff, there are millions of things that contribute to making it interesting. One of the essential parts of story writing is the characters in the story and their traits. Do you know what character traits are? Let us help you. Character traits, like real people, are the habits and the ideas that make a character non-imaginary. They help the reader understand what the character is all about. Tall, short, bitter, sweet, salty, sarcastic, kind, etc. they all make a reader better grasp what the person in the story is really like!
Topic or Theme?
Identify whether each item is a topic or a theme. Remember, a theme takes a position on a topic. If it is a theme, write theme. If it is a topic, rewrite it as a theme.
Short Thoughts
Copy short passages onto the page. Identify longer passages by page/paragraph number.
Common Themes in Fiction
Writers commonly explore the topics listed below. Think of a book you have read that explores each topic. Then write down the book's theme. Remember, a topic is a subject that a text deals with. A theme takes a position on a topic.
Thinking In...
Think of a position on each topic that has meaning for you. With your feelings about the topic in mind, develop a theme that you could explore in a story.
Fahrenheit 451
The novel Fahrenheit 451 has multiple themes covering the range of topics listed below. A theme is not the same as a topic.
A Writer's Toolbox
Read the assigned text. Fill out the graphic organizer below to help you understand how a writer develops theme through the elements of story.
Mapping the Story
Identify the topics and themes explored in the story. Complete the table.
Understanding Universal Themes
Universal themes transcend gender, culture, and geographical differences.
Theme or Summary?
Determine whether each sentence is the summary of a story or an expression of theme.
Animal Farm
Choose one of the themes that you articulated. Identify when and where in the story the theme first appears. Then explain how that passage demonstrates the theme.