Lesson 2.4 - Character Traits and Characterization
In this lesson students will learn to ask a series of questions about primary and secondary characters to arrive at thoughtful and informative characterizations.
This page contains all the lectures for this lesson.
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The text for this short story can be downloaded here
Read The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin 1850-1904. Focus on Setting. In your JOURNAL write answers to the following:
1. When and where do you think this story is set ? Explain your answer.
2. What do you think is the author's purpose for writing this short story? Explain your answer.
3. how could the theme of this story relate to your own life - now or in the future?
Put your answer in your Journal. Subtitle your entry as : The Story of An Hour Background Information/Exposition
YOUR SHORT STORY: Build your outline
Include at least two (2) characters in your story.
CREATE A MAIN PROTAGONIST FOR YOUR ORIGINAL SHORT STORY WHO IS EITHER :
1. Round or Flat
2. Dynamic or Static
Include some of the following in your CHARACTERIZATION (physical - age - occupation - social status etc) and character traits based on the Character Trait Reference Chart
4. Establish an interesting setting in the exposition (place, time, period, weather, atmosphere etc)
5. Consider a unique INCITING INCIDENT at will begin the RISING ACTION.
6. Consider the type of CONFLICT you can include in your short story (INNER CONFLICT WITH SELF - EXTERNAL CONFLICT such as conflict with Others – Society – Nature)
7. Create at least one SECONDARY CHARACTER who may be an antagonist – foil – etc
8. Be creative with the CLIMAX (the highest point of tension in the conflictRead the short story entitled X. A Fabulous Child's Story by Lois Gould
Write a short paragraph of between 75-100 words explaining at least three reasons why the parents made the decision to name their baby X.