Character Analysis and Traits
The New Student
Maia's stomach churned as she stood at the classroom door. It was her third school in two years, and she was tired of being the "new girl." She clutched her backpack straps tightly and took a deep breath before stepping inside.
"Class, this is Maia," Mrs. Chen announced warmly. "Let's make her feel welcome." Twenty-four pairs of eyes turned towards her. Maia felt her cheeks burn as she gave a small wave and quickly took the empty seat at the back.
At lunchtime, Maia sat alone under a large pohutukawa tree, watching groups of students laugh and chat. A girl with curly hair and a bright smile approached her. "Hi! I'm Aroha. Want to join us for a game of touch rugby?"
Maia hesitated. She wasn't very good at rugby, and the thought of embarrassing herself made her want to refuse. But something about Aroha's friendly face gave her courage. "I'm not very good," Maia admitted quietly.
Aroha laughed. "Neither am I! But it's fun anyway. Come on!" She grabbed Maia's hand and pulled her towards the field. By the end of lunch, Maia was laughing so hard her sides hurt. Maybe this school would be different after all.
1. List THREE character traits for Maia. Use evidence from the text to support each trait.
a) Trait: _______________________ Evidence: _________________________________________
b) Trait: _______________________ Evidence: _________________________________________
c) Trait: _______________________ Evidence: _________________________________________
2. How does Maia feel at the beginning of the story? What words or phrases tell you this?
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3. Describe TWO character traits of Aroha. How do her actions show these traits?
Trait 1: _________________________________________________________________________
Trait 2: _________________________________________________________________________
4. What motivates Maia to accept Aroha's invitation even though she's nervous?
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5. How do Maia's feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story? Explain why.
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