Character Development

Grade 6 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.1.1

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What is Character Development?

Character development is how characters change, grow, and transform throughout a story. Authors reveal characters through what they say, think, do, and how others react to them. Understanding character development helps us connect with stories and understand their deeper meanings!

Two Types of Characters

DYNAMIC Character

Changes significantly during the story

Grows, learns, or transforms

Example: A selfish character learns to think of others through their experiences

STATIC Character

Stays the same throughout the story

Consistent traits from start to end

Example: A loyal friend who remains supportive no matter what happens

Remember: Dynamic doesn't mean "better" - both types serve important purposes in stories!

The STEAL Method: How Authors Reveal Characters

S
Speech
What does the character say? How do they say it?
T
Thoughts
What is the character thinking or feeling inside?
E
Effect
How do others react to this character?
A
Actions
What does the character do? What choices do they make?
L
Looks
How is the character described physically?

Character Development Arc

BEGINNING
Who is the character at the start?
→
CHALLENGE
What problem or conflict do they face?
→
CHANGE
How are they different at the end?
=
DEVELOPMENT
Character growth

Example Passage: "The Science Fair"

Nina had always worked alone. Group projects were disasters waiting to happen - other people never met her standards. When Ms. Chen assigned partners for the science fair, Nina's stomach dropped. She was paired with Alex, whose desk was always messy and who seemed to spend more time drawing than studying.

"I'll handle the research and the board," Nina announced at their first meeting. "You can just... present it."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "You haven't even heard my idea yet."

"Fine," Nina sighed, expecting something ridiculous.

But Alex's idea was brilliant - a project about how music affects plant growth, combining Nina's love of biology with something she'd never considered. For the first time, Nina didn't have all the answers. Alex knew about sound frequencies and experimental design approaches Nina had never learned.

As they worked together, Nina found herself actually listening. When Alex suggested a different way to organize their data, Nina hesitated - then realized it was better than her original plan.

"I was wrong about you," Nina admitted the night before the fair. "I thought working alone was better. But your ideas made this project way more interesting than anything I would have done by myself."

They won second place - but Nina felt like she'd gained something more important than a ribbon. She'd learned that different perspectives could strengthen her work, not threaten it.

Analyzing Nina Using STEAL

STEAL Beginning Evidence Ending Evidence
Speech "I'll handle the research and the board" "I was wrong about you"
Thoughts Expected something ridiculous from Alex Realized different perspectives strengthen work
Actions Tried to take over the whole project Listened and accepted Alex's suggestions

Character Development: Nina changes from dismissive and controlling to open-minded and collaborative.

Understanding Character Motivation

Motivation = WHY a character does what they do

To understand motivation, ask:

Nina's Motivation: She wanted control because she feared that others wouldn't meet her standards. Her value was excellence, but she learned that collaboration could achieve even better results.

Your Turn!

1. Is Nina a DYNAMIC or STATIC character? How do you know?
2. What is Nina's motivation at the BEGINNING of the story?
3. What CHALLENGE causes Nina to change?
4. Which quote BEST shows Nina's character development?
5. What lesson does Nina learn by the end of the story?

Tips for Analyzing Character Development

FAST Success Kit | Grade 6 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.1.1