Interpreting characters - As students read fiction and non-fiction texts, they will encounter many complex characters.  Students must be able to describe what character traits a person possesses, and comprehend what makes characters as act they do.  Students must also be able to identify similarities and differences among different characters.  In advancing grades, students will even be required to compare and contrast characters from different books and genres.

Identifying tone/mood - Students need to be able to sense how the author was feeling and how he/she wanted the reader to feel while reading.