Understanding Characters

Understanding Characters

Read the passage below carefully. Then, answer the questions that follow, paying close attention to the characters and how they develop.

The New Kid

Leo clutched his backpack straps, his knuckles white. This was his third new school in two years, and each one felt harder than the last. He missed his old friends, his old house, and even his old, squeaky bed. As he walked into the bustling classroom, he tried to make himself invisible. He slumped into the empty desk at the back, avoiding eye contact with everyone. The teacher, Ms. Davis, smiled warmly at him. “Class, this is Leo. Please make him feel welcome.” A few kids waved, but most went back to their conversations. Leo felt a familiar ache of loneliness.

During recess, Leo sat alone on a bench, watching groups of kids play soccer and tag. He wished he had the courage to join in, but a shy voice inside him held him back. Suddenly, a bright red ball bounced near his feet. A girl with bouncy pigtails and a wide smile ran over. “Hey! Can you kick it back?” she asked. Leo nodded, awkwardly kicking the ball. “Thanks! I’m Maya,” she said, extending a hand. “Wanna play catch?” Leo hesitated for a moment, then a small smile touched his lips. “Sure,” he replied, and for the first time that day, the ache in his chest lessened.

1. At the beginning of the story, what is Leo's main feeling?

2. What action shows that Leo is shy?

3. At the beginning of the story, Leo tried to make himself   in the classroom.

4. Maya showed she was   by asking Leo to play catch.

5. How does Leo's feeling change from the beginning of the story to the end? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

6. Leo wanted to play with other kids at recess but was too scared.

7. Maya was shy and did not want to talk to Leo.

8. Describe how Maya's actions helped Leo develop as a character. What kind of person is Maya, and how do you know?