Character Description
Lesson 4: External Character Description
Understanding Physical Traits
  • How appearance reveals character
  • precise, vivid description
  • show rather than tell
The Silhouette Challenge
Human Subject
Observe posture, build, and stance.
Note how clothing choices suggest personality.
Animal Study
Describe fur texture, ear position, tail movement.
Animals reveal character through physical presence too.
Comparative Analysis
Students compare human and animal forms. They identify similarities in how bodies communicate character.
Detailed Observation Points
Facial Features
  • Eye shape and expression
  • Nose structure and position
  • Mouth curves and tension
  • Wrinkles and lines
Body Language
  • Shoulder position and alignment
  • Hand placement and gestures
  • Weight distribution and stance
  • Movement quality and rhythm
Character Sketch Worksheet Elements
Hair Description
Colour, texture, length, style. How does it frame the face?
Posture Analysis
Straight or slouched? Confident or hesitant? What does the body say?
Clothing Choices
Formal or casual? Neat or rumpled? Colours and patterns matter.
Expressions
Resting face, smile lines, furrowed brows. Capture the moment.
MYP Alignment: Objective C (i) - Organising ideas; Objective D (i) - Using appropriate vocabulary
Lesson: Internal Character Traits
Exploring Inner Life
  • Move beyond surface details
  • Discover emotions, thoughts, and motivations
  • Internal traits drive character actions
  • Understanding them deepens writing authenticity.
"Show the emotion through action, not just words."
Emotion Cards Activity
Students receive emotion cards showing various feelings. They describe how each emotion manifests physically and behaviourally.
Focus on observable actions. What does happiness look like in motion?
Matching Exercise: Emotion to Action
Emotion
Identify the feeling: grief, joy, fear, anger, confusion, excitement
Physical Action
How does the body respond? Trembling hands, clenched fists, rapid breathing
Internal Thought
What's happening inside? The character's private response and reasoning
Worksheet Components
Emotion Recognition
Students identify feelings from visual cues. They name the emotion accurately.
Action Mapping
Match feelings to physical responses. Connect inner state to outer behaviour.
Thought Processing
Describe the character's internal monologue. What runs through their mind?

Teaching Tip: Use real photographs alongside illustrations. Visual variety helps students recognise emotions across different contexts and cultures.
Learning Outcomes & Assessment
1
Objective A (i)
Students demonstrate understanding of character complexity. They identify how authors reveal traits.
2
Objective C (iii)
Learners structure descriptive paragraphs effectively. They use cohesive devices to link observations.