How is this character feeling? Why?

In this lesson you will learn how good readers track character development

by asking “Why is a character feeling this way? Could there

be another reason?”

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Readers pay attention to characters’ actions, thoughts, and words

I’m getting the idea that my character is a good listener!

Let’s ReviewA Common Mistake

Only thinking about how a character is feeling if the author tells you how she

or he is feeling.

She was feeling happy.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

And I am so weak. I cannot stand on my feet anymore. And soon the nurse comes, and watches the sun go down. She said things I could not understand, but her words carried something cold to my heart.

"You poor dog! You did a brave deed, and now your dearest little one is gone."

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

She was feeling sad and weak

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

And I am so weak. I cannot stand on my feet anymore. And soon the nurse comes, and watches the sun go down. She said things I could not understand, but her words carried something cold to my heart.

"You poor dog! You did a brave deed, and now your dearest little one is gone."

Why does the character feel

this way?

She felt sad because her puppy was taken from her.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

And I am so weak. I cannot stand on my feet anymore. And soon the nurse comes, and watches the sun go down. She said things I could not understand, but her words carried something cold to my heart.

"You poor dog! You did a brave deed, and now your dearest little one is gone."

Could there be another reason?

She felt sad because she never got to teach her puppy like her mother taught her

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Think of a character and identify how that character is feeling.1

2 Ask: “Why is the character feeling this way?”

3 Ask: “Could there be another reason?”

In this lesson, you have learned how good readers

track character development by asking “Why is a character feeling this way? Could there

be another reason?”

Let’s ReviewGuided PracticeRead this excerpt.

Pause after reading and ask yourself “Why does the character feel this way? Could there be another reason?” Jot your ideas down on a sticky note.

Soon came my little puppy, and then my cup was full, my happiness was perfect. It was the cutest little thing, and so smooth and soft. He had such little awkward paws, and such a sweet and innocent face. It made me so proud to see how the children and their mother adored it. Life was just too lovely to—

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Think about how a character is feeling in your story. Ask yourself: When have I or someone I know ever felt this way?

Let’s ReviewQuick Quiz

The pain was horrible, but that did not matter. My only thought was that I must get away from the master. I limped on three legs to the other end of the hall, where there was a dark little stairway leading up into an attic. I climbed up there and searched my way through the dark among the piles of things. I hid in the most secret place I could find. It was foolish to be afraid there, yet still I was. I licked my leg, and that helped me calm down.

Read this excerpt.

Pause after reading and ask yourself “Why does the character feel this way? Could there be another reason?” Jot your ideas down on a sticky note.