The purpose of descriptive writing is to make our readers see,
feel, and hear what we have seen, felt, and heard. Whether we're
describing a person, a place, or a thing, our aim is to reveal a
subject through vivid, carefully arranged details. Two common
forms of description are the character sketch (or profile) and
the place description. In describing a character, we look for
details that not only show what an individual looks like but
also provide clues to his or her personality. Eudora Welty's
Sketch of Miss Duling (a precise physical description of a
first-grade teacher) and Mark Singer's Profile of "Mr.
Personality" (a description of the only member of the Goodnicks
of America) are just two of the paragraph-length character
sketches linked below. With thoughtfully organized details, we
can also suggest the personality--or mood--of a place. Below
you'll find links to several place descriptions, including
Wallace Stegner's "Town Dump" and a student's essay on her "Home
of Yesteryear." For ideas on how to c