Name: _________________________________________________Period: ______

“Charles” Think about it…

Making inferences is “reading between the lines.”

An INFERENCE is a logical assumption based on what a writer suggests but does NOT say.
To INFER is to base your analysis or answer on available information AND sound reasoning.

1. What in the story leads you to conclude that Laurie was really Charles? The author does
NOT tell you! You have to infer!
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2. How was Laurie at home like and unlike “Charles” at school?

Laurie and “Charles” alike Laurie and “Charles” not alike

3. What do these similarities and differences lead you to infer about Laurie? Why may have
Laurie made “Charles” up? Why may have Laurie misbehaved at school? The author does not
tell you!
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4. Analyze: What can you infer about Laurie’s parents?

 Were they kind parents? _____ What in the story makes you think so?
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 Were they wise parents? ______ What in the story makes you think so?
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5. Predict what you think Laurie’s mother (and father?) did about Laurie when she came
home from her conferences with his teacher. What in the story makes you infer this
likelihood? The author does NOT tell you!
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 6. POINT OF VIEW: How may Laurie’s version of this story be different? Pretend you’re
Laurie and tell us about your first days of kindergarten and about your parents. Look at your
responses to #2 & #3 to gain deeper insight into Laurie’s actions. Be prepared to share with
class.
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THEME is a central idea or insight readers can find in a literary work, a generalization about life.

It is sometimes stated but usually implied. You have to infer!

7. Based on the analysis you have just performed, what do you think may be a theme of the
story “Charles?” NOTE: A theme is a complete thought, not just a one word over
generalization! (Think about the theme I shared relevant to “Ding-Dong-Ditch.”)
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8. Rate your progress! Circle the statement in the table below that applies to your level of
understanding. The objective for this series of lessons related to inference and “Charles”
was:
I can demonstrate my understanding of inference by responding to guided
reading questions and direct inference questions related to the short story
“Charles” by Shirley Jackson.

4 3 2 1
I can I can generally I must have I do not
independently demonstrate help when understand
demonstrate my asked to infer inference, even
my understanding or make with help.
understanding of inference inferences.
of inference. with some
clarification.