Using a CP2103 to program an ATMEGA328-PU

So how & when does the DTR line change values? DTR - Data Terminal Ready - when it's high does that mean there is data ready to be sent? Then, does it drop to low when the data is sent? Does it stay low while the data is sent, or does it just drop to low for an instant and return to high while the data transmission is happening?

In my research on my problems, I thought I saw a DTR signal from an oscilloscope, it dropped to low quickly then slowly returned to high. The drop to low was a vertical line, the return to high was a sloped/curved line, happening over time. It's times like this I wish I had a scope, but I need one so rarely that I can't justify the cost of one...

Thanks,
Randy