11+ Comprehension · Topic explained
Character and feelings
How do you know what a character feels when nobody says it?
The big idea
We learn about characters from what they say, do and think, and how others react.
Picture it
Like reading a friend's face across the playground: the signs tell you.
Key words
- Trait
- Part of someone's personality, like kind or stubborn.
- Feeling
- How a character feels at one moment, like nervous or relieved.
- Motive
- Why a character does something.
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
"Ava shared her last biscuit with the new girl."
- What she does shows a trait.
- Ava is kind and generous.
- 211+ standard
"'Of course I'm not scared,' said Ben, edging behind his sister."
- What he says: brave.
- What he does: scared. Actions tell the truth.
- 311+ standard
Start: "Nadia dragged her feet towards the pool." End: "She hauled herself out, grinning, desperate to go again."
- Feelings change: reluctant at first, delighted by the end.
- 411+ standard
"When Mrs Okafor walked in, the chatter stopped instantly and thirty pupils sat up straight."
- How others react tells us about her.
- She is strict, or highly respected.
The common mistake
The mistake
Using vague words like "sad" or "good" with no evidence.
Instead
Choose a precise word, like anxious or relieved, and back it with the text.
Why: Precise words show deeper understanding and earn more marks.
Where it comes up in the 11+
"How does Kit feel?", "What impression do we get of…?", "How do her feelings change?"
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains character and feelings step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Character and feelings worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. "Leila checked the oven every two minutes and couldn't sit still." Leila feels…
- Anxious
- Bored
- Sleepy
- Angry
Show the answerHide the answer
Anxious
Checking again and again and not sitting still are signs of worry.
2. When what a character says and does don't match, which should you trust more?
- What they say
- What they do
- Neither
- The title
Show the answerHide the answer
What they do
Actions usually reveal true feelings.
3. Which is a character TRAIT rather than a passing feeling?
- Generous
- Startled
- Hungry
- Relieved
Show the answerHide the answer
Generous
Generous describes their personality; the others are how they feel for a moment.