Instructions
Great stories are filled with characters who feel like real people. They aren't flat like cardboard cutouts; they are rounded, meaning they have different sides to their personality, just like you! A great writer's secret to making characters feel real is a rule called: "Show, Don't Tell."
Instead of just telling the reader a character is brave, you show it through their actions, thoughts, or words. It’s the difference between saying "The movie was scary" and describing the creaking doors, spooky shadows, and the main character's pounding heart.
This worksheet will help you practice turning "telling" sentences into powerful "showing" descriptions!
Part 1: Spot the "Showing"
Read the "Telling" sentence in the left column. Then, find its matching "Showing" sentence on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank.
"Telling" Sentences
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"Showing" Sentences
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Part 2: You're the Writer!
Now it's your turn. Read the "telling" sentences below and rewrite them in a more exciting "showing" way. Think about what the character would do, say, or think.
1. Telling: The man was angry.
Showing:
2. Telling: Lily was very tidy.
Showing:
3. Telling: The boy was nervous for his speech.
Showing:
Part 3: Build a Rounded Character
Let's create a character who is more than just one thing. Your character is grumpy on the outside, but secretly kind.
Write a short paragraph describing this character. Do NOT use the words "grumpy" or "kind." Instead, show us these two sides through their actions.
Hint: What does the character do that seems grumpy? What is one small, secret action they do that shows they are actually kind?
Answer Key
Part 1: Spot the "Showing"
- C - He was very hungry.
- A - Maria was clumsy.
- D - The dog was happy.
- B - Sam was tired.
Part 2: You're the Writer!
(Note: Your answers may be different, and that's great! These are just examples.)
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Telling: The man was angry.
Example Showing: The man's face turned beet red. He slammed his fist on the table, making the glasses jump, and spoke through gritted teeth. -
Telling: Lily was very tidy.
Example Showing: After finishing her homework, Lily wiped down her desk, sharpened all her pencils, and arranged them by color in their holder. -
Telling: The boy was nervous for his speech.
Example Showing: The boy stood behind the curtain, clutching his note cards with sweaty palms. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs.
Part 3: Build a Rounded Character
(Note: Your paragraph will be unique! As long as you showed both grumpy and kind actions without using the words, you did a fantastic job. Here is one example.)
Example Paragraph:
Mr. Harrison scowled at the children playing on his lawn, muttering under his breath as he pulled the curtains shut. He stomped into his kitchen to make tea. But on his way, he stopped at the back door, quietly opened it, and placed a small bowl of leftover chicken on the step for the skinny stray cat he pretended to dislike. He closed the door before the cat could even see him.