Middle school students are not merely passive recipients of stories; they actively delve into the complexities of characters, scrutinizing their motivations, actions, and evolution throughout the narrative. They explore how various events influence a character’s development, considering both their commendable and flawed traits. Through engaging ELA activities, they learn to apply these insights to their own character education, thereby enhancing their personal growth.
However, pinning down the perfect word to describe a particular character trait can sometimes prove to be a challenging task. Utilizing lists of common character traits that 8th graders encounter can significantly aid in their literary analysis. Tools like graphic organizers and word lists not only simplify this process but also add an element of fun to their learning journey.
Key Examples of Character Traits in 8th Grade Novels
In literary works such as The Giver by Lois Lowry, students can identify character traits like Jonas’s curiosity and bravery, or Fiona’s kindness and obedience. By examining these attributes, students gain insight into how they contribute to a character’s journey or lack thereof. Offering students a curated list of traits streamlines the process of categorizing characters, fostering richer discussions about their motivations and actions.
Differentiated Character Traits Adjective List
By Britty’s Bookshelf
This resource integrates character traits with vocabulary enhancement through differentiated lists, allowing students to engage in deeper character analysis.
Interactive Character Analysis Posters – 100 Character Traits With Organizers
By Joanne Miller
Standards: CCSS RL.3.3, 4.3, 5.3
This comprehensive resource provides access to 100 character trait posters, supporting students in their discussions about character nuances alongside corresponding organizers. It also features an editable character trait poster for novel studies.
Interpreting Characters’ Emotional Responses
Characters convey their feelings through diverse reactions. Some may exhibit optimism and bravery, like Auggie in Wonder by R.J. Palacio, while others might demonstrate fear or selfishness, as seen with Jonas’s father in The Giver, who complies with authority without question. A wide range of emotional traits can be identified in typical 8th-grade literature:
- Empathetic
- Hopeful
- Anxious
- Resentful
- Patient
- Lonely
- Joyful
- Compassionate
- Arrogant
- Insecure
- Prejudiced
- Lazy
- Cruel
Uncovering Social Character Traits
The relationships characters foster with friends, family, and society are indicative of their inherent personality traits and biases. For instance, loyalty manifests in both positive and detrimental ways for Ponyboy in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Below is a list of prevalent social character traits findable in 8th-grade texts:
- Supportive
- Shy
- Outgoing
- Protective
- Jealous
- Cooperative
- Domineering
- Respectful
- Generous
- Inclusive
- Competitive
- Manipulative
Analyzing Moral and Ethical Characteristics
Characters embody strong morals and ethical frameworks that guide their decisions. For example, Cassie in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor displays immense integrity while resisting injustice, contrasting with Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, whose selfishness prioritizes his desires over ethical considerations. Below are common moral and ethical traits:
- Unfairness
- Responsibility
- Betrayal
- Irresponsibility
- Courage
- Principled
- Trustworthy
- Selfish
- Just
- Honorable
- Greedy
Identifying Intellectual Character Attributes
Characters reveal their intellectual traits through their learning approaches and goal orientations. They might begin with impulsive decisions—like Brian in Hatchet by Gary Paulsen—but evolve to display critical thinking and resourcefulness. Many 8th-grade stories feature examples of characters’ intellectual maturity.
- Curious
- Determined
- Resourceful
- Clever
- Imaginative
- Studious
- Ambitious
- Inventive
- Impulsive
- Frustrated
- Persistent
- Short-sighted
- Forgetful
- Naive
Using Graphic Organizers to Classify Character Traits in 8th Grade
Examples of character traits empower students by guiding them on what to observe in the texts they read. Graphic organizers assist in conducting deeper analyses of these traits within the narrative. This approach aligns with CCSS Reading Standards for 8th grade, emphasizing the importance of citing textual evidence, analyzing character evolution, and considering various perspectives.
Character traits also have connections to CCSS Writing Standards for 8th grade, enabling students to apply their characterization insights in their writing assignments. This foundational understanding can easily integrate into your daily writing schedule for middle schoolers!
Character Traits Graphic Organizers
By Jadyn Thone
This resource encompasses 16 diverse character profile worksheets designed to enhance students’ character analysis skills. It includes spaces for illustrations, accommodating various learning styles.
Characterization (STEAL) Character Traits Analysis | Lesson & Graphic Organizer
By Simply Teach
Standards: CCSS RL.5.1, 6.1, 7.1
This engaging resource includes three graphic organizer types, a mini-lesson, a character trait list, a characterization note page, and an interactive foldable notebook.
Character Traits by Lovin Lit
By Lovin Lit
This comprehensive bundle grants educators access to 18 distinct graphic organizers and differentiated worksheets across three grade levels, as well as teachers’ notes and multiple interactive notebook activities.
Reading Comprehension – Character Analysis (Novel Study)
By J Shannon Literacy
This extensive graphic organizer bundle facilitates a thorough exploration of character analysis studies in 8th grade, providing a comprehensive novel study cover, protagonist and antagonist analysis, character tracers, and quote analysis, along with character change exploration sheets.
Accessing Examples of Character Traits for 8th Grade with TPT
As with the diverse personalities of your students, characters in literature exhibit a wide array of traits. Examples of character traits provide students with a foundational understanding for analysis and exploration. These invaluable resources, combined with other middle school literature resources from TPT, empower students to uncover the deeper layers behind an author’s narrative choices.
Jennifer Betts, B.A.
Jennifer Betts holds a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design alongside a Michigan teaching license for upper elementary and grades 6-12 in English Language Arts. Possessing six years of teaching experience in math and ELA across grade levels and over 17 years in educational writing, she combines a passion for storytelling with an enthusiasm for teaching. Beyond the classroom, Jennifer enjoys writing fiction and roller skating.
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