Character Analysis
Lesson 1 - Forming Theories About Characters
Some people are good at noticing what people around them are feeling. For example, they can tell if someone is in a bad mood, upset, or happy. These people are good at "reading people". As it is important to read people in your everyday life, it is also important to be able to read people in stories.
Notice the big actions a person has made, seeing these as windows into that person.
Notice the little actions a person has made. These don't move the plot along, but they often help to reveal information about a character.
Notice the choices a person makes. These are often choices. Ask yourself - Why did they do that? What else could they have done?
Notice the dialogue a person has. Think about what they are saying. Are there any clues to their character? Is who they are talking to important?
Notice the repeated objects/images an author includes in the story. Authors repeat these to get the reader to think about the hidden ideas.
Notice the setting/situation the story is taking place in. This will often have some effect on how and why the character is acting they way they are.
Let's Read Shells and discuss the characters.
Let's examine how I grew my theory about Aunt Esther.
Now you try it. Fill out the organizer for Michael. Use the example about Esther to help you. Remember, you will need to make a copy and save it in your reading folder.
As you continue to do your independent reading use the Read Your Character sheet to help you develop theories about the characters in your story. An example is included on the sheet to help you. Remember, you will need to make a copy and save it in your reading folder.
You can read for the remainder of the time. Do not forget to do an entry in your - Keeping Track of my Reading.