CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3
The Standard
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Literature
What This Standard Means
Students need to describe a character using evidence from the story. They should name traits, feelings, and reasons for actions, then connect those actions to what happens next.
Mastery looks like more than saying “nice” or “mean.” Students explain, “She is determined because she keeps trying after failing.” Common trouble spots are mixing up feelings and traits, giving opinions without proof, and retelling the whole story instead of explaining cause and effect.
Ways to Teach It
- Use sticky notes to mark each time the main character acts, then sort the notes into traits, feelings, and motivations.
- Ask students to write: What did the character want, what did they do, and how did that change the story?
- Give a short passage and ask for one trait, one text clue, and one result of the character’s action.
- Connect to recess conflicts by asking how one person’s choice can change what happens next for the whole group.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.3
Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and adv...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.3
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).