How Do You Create a Character?

Building a character is one of the most exciting parts of storytelling, but for many students, it can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to support our students in this process is to explore how real authors develop characters using a variety of techniques. This process is called “characterization.”

One way authors develop their characters is by applying the STEAL technique. This acronym stands for Speech, Thoughts, Effects on others, Actions and Looks. By focusing on these elements, authors can reveal their characters’ personalities in subtle and authentic ways.

This comprehensive 23-slide teaching presentation has been created by our team to introduce your students to the STEAL technique and other characterization methods. It includes the following content:

• Characters
• Direct and indirect characterization
• The STEAL technique
• Motivation
• Beliefs and values
• Relationships 
• Choices
• Growth and change

The deck also includes review and practice activities to support student learning. 

By engaging with this resource, your students will develop a deeper understanding of how authors build characters and how these skills can be applied in their own writing.

More Activities on How to Make a Character

This slide deck provides a solid foundation for teaching your students how to make a character. Once students have explored the slides, you can extend their learning with a range of simple but effective activities. Here are some ideas from our team to get you started:

• Character Detective – Give students a short passage and ask them to identify STEAL clues about the character. Encourage them to explain how each clue reveals personality traits or motivations, helping them connect evidence to interpretation.
• Personal STEAL Profile – Have students create a character profile for themselves using the five STEAL elements. Ask them to include examples to support each element, reinforcing evidence-based thinking.
• Group Brainstorm – In small teams, have students invent a character with a backstory and list how each STEAL component shapes their personality. Invite them to showcase their character’s unique traits to the rest of the class.

Download This Creating Characters Slideshow

Ready to access this creating characters slideshow? Use the Download button to access either the Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides presentation before accessing it.)

You now have everything you need to deliver a high-quality lesson about how to develop a character with minimal preparation time!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Develop a Character with More Great Resources

Teach Starter boasts a wide variety of teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when teaching your students how to develop a character. Click below to browse a selection of materials from our extensive library.

teaching resource

Character Description – Text Analysis Worksheets

Teach character description with this set of four worksheets that help students explore how authors use the STEAL technique to bring characters to life.

teaching resource

Identifying Character Traits Interactive Activity

Get your students identifying character traits with this engaging digital quiz that helps students understand how language reveals personality in writing.

teaching resource

Show Don’t Tell Posters – Character Feelings

Use this set of Show, Don’t Tell posters to help your students describe character emotions through vivid details instead of simple statements.