Characters in stories have feelings, just like real people. Writers do not always tell us the feeling. Instead, they show it through what a character says, does and looks like.
If a character holds a bag very tightly and says nothing, they might be nervous. If they jump up and down and shout “Yes!”, they are probably excited.
As you read, ask: How does this character feel? What makes me think that? Then find the words that are your clue.
Worked example
Read: “Lily's lip wobbled. She looked at the broken vase and hid behind the door.” How does Lily feel?
- Find clues: her lip wobbled, she hid.
- People hide and wobble when they are worried or upset.
Answer:Lily feels worried or upset about the broken vase.
Key words
- character
- a person or animal in a story
- feeling
- how someone is inside, like happy or scared
- clue
- a detail that helps you work something out
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: RL.2.1, RL.2.3