Communication

ASSIGNMENT 4: Developing Characters

Learning Target (Curricular Competencies):

  • Recognize and appreciate how different forms, formats, structures, and features of texts enhance and shape meaning and impact
  • Explore how language constructs personal and cultural identities 
  • Think critically, creatively, and reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts

Task:

Writing about characterization involves how characters are revealed through action, dialogue, and thoughts.  A successful character analysis will discuss values and traits of a particular character, how the character undergoes change, and/or what he or she might represent. There are 2 ways to describe characters:  directly or indirectly.  Watch the video below on how to characterize. 

1) Do you know the difference between indirect characterization and direct characterization?

2)  Watch the video below on the different types of characters found in literature. 

3)      Do a 10 minute timed write that's a character sketch of a person you admire. Show, don't tell as you write about this character. Try using one of the graphic organizers in the folder at the top of the course.  Brainstorm characteristics of this person.  How might this character show a generous personality, for example?  Watch the wikihow on writing character sketches to better understand.

4)      "Show, don't just tell" the character. Reveal who he/she is by his/her actions.  

5)       Submit your character sketch in whatever format you used to develop it.  There are templates in the Graphic Organizers folder on the top of the course, if you want.

Assessment:  Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.  

Learning Target: (Exemplary 6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective.  Student demonstrates critical, creative, and reflective thinking to explore how language constructs personal and cultural identities recognizing how different features and forms of texts enhance and shape meaning and impact.  Student demonstrates superior and insightful understanding of character development with both direct and indirect characterization.

Written Expression:  Exemplary (6/6):  Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen.  Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.  Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization.

Submission:

Use the "2.4 Developing Characters" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.