Character Analysis
Lesson 7 - What a Character Project
Have you ever wanted to be a movie star? How about a book character? Well now is your chance to be both. You will be jumping into the shoes of a significant book character. You will become that character both inside and out. Use the checklist below to transform yourself into an important character that you have discovered through your reading.
This project will mostly be completed at home. It will take the place of any weekly reading assignment. Make sure to be reading and completing the written work on a daily basis. The project due date and presentation is on 12-21-23. Although this seems far away, there is a lot of work to be completed. Do NOT keep putting it off. Do a little each day, especially the actual reading and the logs.
In class, we will continue reading workshop. This assignment is not taking the place of reading classwork.
1. Choose a book. This has to be a book you have not read and are currently not reading. Choose a character from the book. You want to pick one of the main characters because it will make the rest of the assignment easier.
2. Use the “What a Character!” Approval Form and fill in your name, the name of the character, the title of the book, and the author.
3. Attach and turn in the Approval Doc by 12-08-23.
4. Read! Read!! Read!!! Get to know your character by thoroughly reading your book. Develop a clear mental image of what your character looks like on the outside. Most importantly, discover what your character is like on the inside. How does the character think, feel, and act? What does the character say? How does the character change over time? How does the character impact the story? What is your theory about this character based on the evidence you have gathered?
5. Write! Write!! Write!!! Use the “What A Character!” Project Doc and complete ALL parts of this assignment as outlined below.
A. Basic header information
B. Reading log - Complete ALL sections.
C. Reflections Organizer - Stop and think deeply as you read. Include at least 10 reflections that show different insights you develop. Include specific text evidence that supports your thinking. Page numbers should also be included.
D. Short Answer Reflections - Develop a thorough response to EACH of the four questions. Your responses should be in paragraph format. Each response should be focused and should show a deep understanding of your character. You should include and elaborate on details. You should use text evidence to support your thinking.
Remember to make a copy and save it in your reading folder.
6. Assemble a small bag that includes at least three objects that represent your character. Dig deep when choosing these objects. Steer clear of the obvious. For example, do not include a soccer ball because your character likes soccer. Instead, consider a piece of sandpaper to represent the rough times and challenges the character faced learning to play soccer or the thick skin he developed because he was being bullied when trying to learn. Bring it to school before or on 12-21-23.
7. Attach and turn in your completed What a Character Project Doc by 12-21-23.
8. Thursday, 12-21-23 - Project Due and The Big Performance. Come to school dressed as your character. Be creative. Use materials that you already have to create your image. Do not go out and buy anything. Jump into your character’s shoes. Act, think, and talk like your character in a safe and appropriate manner while you are presenting your bag to the rest of the class. Here is what should be included in your presentation:
The name of your book.
The author of your book.
The character you are representing.
A brief description of the plot.
Your theory about this character (you).
Explain your bag of items.
Talk in first person. Remember you are the character. For example, do not say, "Joey got in trouble at school." Instead say, "I got in trouble at school."
Here is the rubric that your teacher will use to grade your project.