Character Week Mentor Text Character Traits On The

Character Week Mentor Text • Character Traits • On The Sidewalk Bleeding • Character Sketch • Paragraph Writing •

Mentor Text In the following excerpt from Stephen King’s The Shining make note of word choice. 1) How does the author’s word choice contribute to the paragraph? 2) What was your favourite word choice?

His breath stopped in a gasp. An almost drowsy terror stole through his veins. Yes. There was something in here with him, some awful thing the Overlook had saved for just such a chance as this. Maybe a huge spider that had burrowed down under the dead leaves, or a rat. . . or maybe the corpse of some little kid that had died here on the playground. Had that ever happened? At the far end of the concrete ring, Danny heard the stealthy crackle of dead leaves, as something came for him on its hands and knees.

Elements of a Short Story Character

Elements of a Short Story 1. Character 2. Setting 3. Plot 4. Point of View / Foreshadowing 5. Irony 6. Theme

1. Characters 1. Character Traits: are the qualities of a certain person, whether they are physical or emotional. You determine some traits by observing the way a character looks. You observe other traits by paying attention to the way the character behaves.

Some Examples �Jesse had no idea how deep the river was. He just jumped. � Trait: reckless �Amanda had no idea why everyone else was laughing as she strolled around the room in mismatched shoes. � Trait: clueless �Susan jumped � Trait: jittery every time the door opened.

1. Characters There are six terms we will use to define and describe characters. They are: 2. Protagonist: The main character(s) in the story. He/she always faces a conflict. 3. Antagonist: The character(s) or force that is in conflict with the protagonist. In some cases, this

Protagonist = Main Character �Some �Can Examples: you list five other examples?

Antagonist = Protagonist’s conflict �Some �Can Examples: you list five other antagonists?

1. Characters 4. Round: Fully developed characters who are complex and realistic. The reader is exposed to different sides of their personality, lifestyle, and interests. Clear and realistic character traits. 5. Flat: Characters who are less developed (often stereotypical) – they are usually minor characters and less realistic.

Tuesday �Read On The Sidewalk Bleeding �Discussion Questions �Character Sheet

On The Sidewalk Bleeding ◦ 1. What are five character traits of Andy? ◦ 2. Discuss the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist. If you do not finish the questions in class, they can be taken home to complete. They must be done for the next day.

Wednesday - Entry Card �Think back to yesterdays story, “On The Sidewalk Bleeding”. If you were in the position to help, would you?

Round vs. Flat �Is the woman in “On The Sidewalk Bleeding” an example of a round or flat character? �Why?

1. Characters 6. Dynamic: A character who undergoes a change in personality. He/she is affected by the events, and it has changed his/her personality, behavior, or perspective on life. 7. Static: A character whose personality remains the same throughout the story. He/she is unchanged by the events that have happened.

Static vs. Dynamic �Is Andy an example of a static or dynamic character? �Why?

Weekly Assignment Writing a Character Sketch Write a two paragraph character sketch on either a “protagonist” or an “antagonist” from a story that you have read.

Paragraphs

Paragraphs �You must have a clear idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. �This is because a paragraph is essentially a collection of sentences which all relate to one central topic. �Without a definite idea of what the main topic is, your paragraph will lack focus and unity.

Topic Sentences �What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. �What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. �How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about. GRAB THE READERS ATTENTION!

Two Parts Topic sentences are usually made of two parts. One part is the topic. The other part is the controlling idea. The controlling idea limits what you will say about the topic. Both parts are needed if you want to make a good topic sentence

Question �Why would a writer want to limit what they will write about a topic? �Why is it important to have one idea for one paragraph?

Friday - Entry Card Proof Read and edit your one paragraph character sketch

Review - Friday �Review your character sketch � Is there one main idea in each paragraph? �Do you have good topic sentences?

Review �We will be doing a quick review on character, paragraphs and, topic sentences.