Metaphor

Ingredients Listing

Students list the “ingredients” (traits) of a character from most to least important (much like a product label lists a food product’s ingredients from most present to least). You can further this lesson in many ways (If you could add or remove one...? How would the story be different if the character wasn’t...?) Have students compare lists.

Proof Sheets

Students identify 24 major plot points after finishing a novel by creating a “proof sheet” (the twenty four mini pictures/negatives you used to get back with a roll of film). Students draw or summarize in one line the 24 points they’ve decided on. They would have to be in order, and, by having to have that specific number, it should spur conversation or thought about what really was important to the story.

Wallet/Purse

The contents of an individual's wallet or purse can reveal a lot about personality. Have students consider a character in a book they are reading. Ask them to consider what this character might carry in their wallet or backpack if they had one. This activity works well with any complex characters.