Last Updated on July 18, 2025
“Describe a character from a movie” is a common cue card in IELTS Speaking Part 2. In this article, you’ll find sample answers, essential vocabulary, common follow-up questions from Part 3, and an explanation of what this topic assesses.
This cue card helps test your ability to describe a fictional personality, analyze their traits, and discuss their impact or significance in a narrative.
Learn how to answer “Describe a character from a movie” with IELTS sample answers, Band 9 vocabulary, tips, follow-up questions & structure.
Cue Card Topic Breakdown
You will have:
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1–2 minutes to speak
Describe a character from a movie
You should say:
- Who the character is and what movie they are from
- What kind of person they are
- What role they play in the movie
- And explain why you like or dislike this character
Why This Cue Card Matters
This cue card helps examiners assess your ability to:
- Describe people and personalities with fluency and coherence.
- Use descriptive adjectives and vocabulary related to character traits.
- Discuss narrative roles and character development.
- Express personal opinions and elaborate on them.
Iron Man (Tony Stark) from The Avengers series: Describe a Character From A Movie
What is the character and the movie?
The character I would like to explain is a comic book superhero, Tony Stark or Iron Man out of the Avengers series of films, but especially conspicuous in the film Avengers: Endgame. He is played by the dazzling Robert Downey Jr.
What sort of person are they?
Tony Stark is an enigmatic character. He is highly intelligent and hilarious, a genius inventor and a billionaire. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the story, he is also extremely arrogant, sarcastic, and rather impulsive with a big ego pushing him most of the time. He goes through major character growth over the course of the series, evolving into a much more selfless, responsible, and viscerally empathetic person, particularly concerning his team and his family. He has a massive burden and sensitivity within despite his self-assuredness on the surface.
What is their role in the film?
He represents the core of the Avengers as a founding member (sometimes with a tactical mind) when teaming up as Iron Man. He is the person who comes up with most of their high-tech device. His role stands out significantly in Endgame because he crafted the plan to undo the snap that Thanos triggered, and then makes the final sacrifice to save the universe, serving as the emotional pulse of the movie.
And why do you like or dislike this character?
I adore Tony Stark. His transformation as a self-centred playboy into a sacrificial hero is what I like best. His weaknesses allow him to be relatable, and his redemption arc is very compelling. He is great at getting comic relief where it is most needed and being quick on his toes. It is not his superpowers which resonated with me more; it is the brilliant mind, as well as his ability to grow and sacrifice so much of his personality.
Joy from Inside Out: Describe a Character From A Movie
Who is the character and what is the movie that they belong to?
My favourite character to discuss would be Joy, who appeared in the Pixar animated film called Inside Out. She is one of the five fundamental emotions residing in the brain of a girl aged 11, called Riley.
What is their type of character?
Joy, whose name speaks about her, is characterized by happiness and optimism. She is very vivacious, very upbeat, never finds the negative in anything, and is constantly striving to see the silver lining in every cloud. She is also highly goal-oriented and rather overbearing when it comes to the happiness of Riley and is unable to comprehend much of the need for other emotions, such as Sadness.
What is their role in the film?
The main hero of the movie is Joy. Her whole duty is to bring happiness to Riley and to preserve her core memories, which are all good. The issue is that she and Sadness become lost in the mind of Riley, and Joy has to learn how to cooperate with Sadness and bring the emotional balance to Riley. She is the engine of the emotional control centre of Riley, and it is only after learning to share that with someone.
And what is your reason as to why you are liking or not liking this character?
I truly like Joy. Although her initial refusal to appreciate Sadness may appear as a weakness, it points out to her commitment to the well-being of Riley. I admire her being full of energy and her insatiability in wanting to derive pleasure even in problematic situations. Her experience of realization that it is healthy to feel sad in some situations is an inspiration in itself, and she is a character who conveys a great lesson about emotional intelligence, especially in a stressful world.
Professor Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series: Describe a Character From A Movie
Who is the character, and what movie are they from?
I’d like to describe Professor Albus Dumbledore, a pivotal character from the Harry Potter movie series, particularly prominent in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
What kind of person are they?
Dumbledore is depicted as an incredibly wise, enigmatic, and powerful wizard. He’s calm, composed, and possesses a profound understanding of human nature, making him an excellent mentor. He also has a playful, quirky side, but beneath that, he carries a great burden of secrets and past mistakes, which makes him a more complex and human character despite his seemingly perfect facade.
What is their role in the film?
Dumbledore is the protector and supporter of Harry Potter. He is the headmaster of Hogwarts and the commander of the war against Lord Voldemort. His task is to educate Harry, teach him the essential details, and help him get ready and face his greatest enemy, the dark wizard. He does it behind the scenes frequently, showing his strategic planning.
And why do you like or not like this character?
Although I do not particularly favour any character, I like Dumbledore a lot, mainly due to his uncanny wisdom and the way he believes in the magic of love and good. He looks at people with a positive approach, even those who have a sordid background, and he is ready to give them a second opportunity. Some of his actions may be considered manipulative, but this only goes to show that he is doing what is best, and I find his multi-nuanced morality something intriguing. It is also very inspirational that he manages to maintain a calm front when he is in serious danger.
Follow-Up Questions (IELTS part 3): Describe a Character From A Movie
What type of character is currently in vogue in the movie industry?
In such days, it seems to be very in fashion to have nuanced characters, who have some visible flaws, but a high degree of moral compasses, as well. Other strong trends include superheroes too human with their own personal problems, anti-heroes and characters with different backgrounds and experiences that go beyond one-dimensional typecasts.
Do you like characters that are either good or bad?
I am interested in both forms of characters; however, I am more attracted to well-developed bad guys. By definition, heroes are not very unexpected in the end. Nevertheless, villains are usually more interesting to study, with more intriguing backgrounds, more complicated motivations, and some resemblance to the charisma of darkness and evil.
What is the relevance of a character’s personality to the success of a movie?
The personality of a character is the key to the success of a movie. Characters make stories meaningful to the audience. When characters seem relatable, intriguing, or even thought-provoking, then the viewers would invest their emotions into their journey. Weak characters can ruin a good storyline, and good characters can turn any ordinary storyline into a great one.
Are movies determinants of the behaviour of people or their thinking?
Absolutely. The influence of movies can be tremendous. They tend to represent social values and may also influence views and stereotypes, and even induce actions. The representations of certain characters or situations may influence fashion, desires, and even morality, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly.
Vocabulary to Use for This Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Complex/Nuanced | Having many different and often conflicting qualities | He’s a complex character with both admirable traits and flaws. |
| Protagonist | The main character in a story | The movie follows the journey of its young protagonist. |
| Antagonist | The character who opposes the protagonist | The villain was a formidable antagonist. |
| Relatable | Easy to understand or identify with | Her struggles made the character incredibly relatable. |
| Enigmatic | Mysterious; difficult to understand | Dumbledore remained an enigmatic figure throughout the series. |
| Charismatic | Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others | The lead actor played a very charismatic leader. |
| Undergoes development | Changes or evolves over the course of the story | The character undergoes significant development from start to finish. |
| Flawed | Imperfect; having weaknesses | He’s a flawed hero, which makes him more human. |
| Archetype | A very typical example of a certain person or thing | The wise old mentor is a common archetype in storytelling. |
| Portrayal | The way in which a character is represented or performed | Her portrayal of the queen was incredibly powerful. |
Related Topics for IELTS Practice:
- Describe the Scene of a Hospital
- Describe a Skill You Want to Learn
- Describe a Speech You Gave
- Describe an important day in your life
- Describe a Difficult Decision You Made
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe an Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life
Summary
| Section | Key Points |
| Cue Card Breakdown | Focus on identifying the character and movie, describing their personality, role, and your personal opinion. |
| Sample Answers | Four examples covering different character types (superhero, animated emotion, mentor, whimsical protagonist). |
| Vocabulary Bank | Phrases to describe personalities, roles, and character impact. |
| Follow-Up Questions | Explores broader themes of character popularity, hero vs. villain roles, and media influence. |
| Related Topics | Linked with cue cards involving entertainment, personalities, and storytelling. |
Final thoughts on the IELTS topic “Describe a character from a movie”
This IELTS cue card gives an excellent chance to speak about your preferences and critical thinking skills concerning cinema. Select a character you feel a particular way about, whether good or bad; this will enable you to speak more freely. Remember to use vivid adjectives and provide reasons for your opinions to make your answer compelling!
FAQs
Do I need tо talk about a main character?
Not necessarily, but choosing a well-known character (main оr supporting) usually makes іt easier tо describe their role and impact.
Is іt okay іf I haven’t seen many movies?
You can talk about a character from a movie you’ve seen even once. The depth оf your analysis іs more important than the number оf movies you watch.
Should I mention the actor who played the character?
It’s a good idea tо mention the actor іf you know them, as іt adds detail, but it’s not compulsory іf you don’t recall their name.
What іf I dislike the character? Can I still talk about them?
Absolutely! Explaining why you dislike a character can be just as insightful and allows for rich vocabulary.
How can I make my description more engaging?
Focus оn specific traits, give examples оf their actions іn the movie that highlight those traits, and discuss the character’s impact оn the story оr оn you personally.
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