Portraits of Character are easy-to-read stories that are just a few pages long. They feature everyday heroes as well as celebrities. Each story highlights an extraordinary display of character. In this story, Geronimo Barreras disarms a gunman. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “What made the crisis in the church so frightening and tense?” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Have you ever been sad or angry because you couldn’t have something? Write about this experience. How did you overcome your emotion?” Develop students’ character as well as thinking, reading, writing, and discussion skills as students read and reflect on this portrait of character.