Use Actions and Dialogue to Understand Characters: SAT Reading Quiz

Step 1: Focus on What Characters DO
Actions reveal character more reliably than words. Notice physical behaviors: Does the character help someone? Turn away? Take initiative? Stay calm in crisis? Actions under pressure are especially revealing of true character traits.

Step 2: Listen to HOW Characters Speak
Dialogue reveals not just what characters think, but how they think. Notice word choice, tone, and what they choose to say or not say. Encouraging words show supportiveness. Careful word choice shows thoughtfulness. Promises kept or broken reveal reliability.

Step 3: Look for Patterns in Behavior
One action might be circumstantial, but repeated behaviors reveal traits. A character who consistently checks their work is thorough. A character who repeatedly helps others is caring. Patterns provide stronger evidence than isolated actions.

Step 4: Connect Actions to Emotions
Physical reactions reveal feelings: shaking hands suggest nervousness, jumping up suggests excitement, deep breaths suggest calming oneself. Learn to read body language clues that indicate internal emotional states.

Step 5: Consider Context
The same action can reveal different traits in different situations. Staying quiet might show respect in one context, fear in another, or thoughtfulness in a third. Always consider the circumstances surrounding the action or dialogue.

Step 6: Avoid Surface-Level Reading
Don't just accept what characters say about themselves. Look for what their actions prove. A character might claim to be brave, but their actions show their true nature. Evidence beats claims every time.

How do I know what a character's actions reveal about them?

Ask yourself: What does this action show about the character's values, priorities, or personality? Helping others shows compassion. Checking work multiple times shows thoroughness. Encouraging teammates shows leadership. Connect specific actions to the traits they demonstrate.

What if dialogue seems to contradict actions?

Actions are usually more reliable than words. If a character says they don't care but then takes time to help, their actions reveal they do care. When words and actions conflict, trust what the character does—actions show true character.

How do I distinguish between similar traits?

Look at specific evidence. "Helpful" and "patient" are related but different. Does the character help quickly (helpful) or help while staying calm despite frustration (patient)? Match your trait choice precisely to what the evidence demonstrates, not just loosely related qualities.

Can characters have more than one trait?

Yes, but SAT questions ask for the trait BEST supported by the specific evidence given. A character might be both kind and intelligent, but if the passage shows them helping someone, choose the trait related to kindness, not intelligence. Match evidence to trait directly.

What physical actions are most revealing of emotions?

Shaking/trembling suggests nervousness or fear. Smiling and energetic movement suggest happiness or excitement. Deep breathing suggests attempts to stay calm. Slumping suggests disappointment. Jumping up suggests eagerness. Body language is a reliable window into feelings.

Should I use my personal experience to judge characters?

No. Base your answer only on the evidence in the passage. Don't assume characters feel or think the way you would. If the passage shows specific actions and dialogue, use those—not your imagination or personal reactions—to determine character traits.

How do I avoid extreme interpretations?

Stay proportional to the evidence. If someone helps once, they're "helpful"—not necessarily a "hero" or "saint." If someone makes one mistake, they might be "careless in that moment"—not "completely incompetent." Choose measured trait words that match the level of evidence provided.

What if the character seems to have negative traits?

The SAT includes both positive and negative character traits. Be objective about what the evidence shows. If actions demonstrate impatience, selfishness, or carelessness, choose those traits. Don't assume all characters must have positive qualities—report what the evidence reveals.