Grade 4 · Reading · Lesson 13

Analyze Character Motives

A character\'s motive is the reason behind their actions. Understanding why a character does something helps you understand the story\'s deeper meaning. Authors sometimes state a motive directly, but more often they imply it through what the character says, does, or thinks.

What this lesson teaches

1Identify a character's motive by examining their actions and words
2Distinguish between stated and implied motives
3Support an analysis of character motive with direct evidence from the text

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