Inferring Characters' Feelings and Motives
Draw inferences from independently-read texts, such as inferring characters' feelings, thoughts and motives from their actions, and justifying inferences with evidence from the text
What a learner can do afterwards
- Infer a character's feelings or motives from their actions and dialogue (e.g. 'She slammed the door — how is she feeling?')
- Justify an inference by quoting or pointing to specific evidence in the text
- Distinguish between what is explicitly stated and what must be inferred from clues in the text
The lesson
Authors don't always tell you exactly how a character feels or why they act. Sometimes you have to be a detective. Look at what a character does and says, then use those clues to figure out their feelings and motives.
Mia slams her bedroom door and throws her backpack on the floor without saying a word. The text never says she is angry, but her actions are strong clues. Slamming and throwing show she is probably angry or upset.
A motive is the reason a character acts a certain way. To find it, ask yourself: why would someone do this? Characters act because they want something, like to help a friend, avoid trouble, or feel proud.
Sam splits his last cookie in half and hands one piece to a new student sitting alone. The text never says 'Sam wanted to be kind,' but his action shows his motive: he wants the new student to feel welcome.
When you make an inference, always point to the exact words or actions that gave you the clue. 'I just think so' is not enough. 'She slammed the door, so she must be angry' is much stronger.
Feelings and motives are often hidden in what characters do and say, so find the clue and use it as your evidence.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.