Character Traits for Kids: What Is a Character Really Like? (Grade 3 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. When you meet a new friend, you learn what they are like over time. Readers do the same with characters. Today we are learning about character traits.

A character trait describes who a character is on the inside. Brave, kind, honest, curious, stubborn and lazy are all traits. Traits usually stay the same through much of the story.

Do not mix up traits with feelings or looks. Feelings like angry or excited can change in a minute. Looks like tall or red hair are on the outside. Traits are about character.

Authors rarely say a character is brave. Instead, they show it. Look for clues in what the character does, what they say, and what they think. These clues are your evidence.

Read this. Nora saw that her classmate forgot his lunch. She broke her sandwich in half and shared it, even though she was hungry too. What trait does Nora show?

Nora is generous. Her action, sharing her food, is the evidence. You can say it like this. Nora is generous because she shared her sandwich when she was hungry herself.

Now it's your turn. Theo broke a vase. Nobody saw, but he told his teacher right away and said sorry. What trait does Theo show? Pause and try. Theo is honest, because he told the truth.

Great job! Traits describe what a character is like inside. Use their actions, words and thoughts as evidence. Practice character traits in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!