Lesson 2.4 - Character Traits and Characterization

  • 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.

    • Lesson 2.4 Lectures Page

      This page contains all the lectures for this lesson. 

      If you are experiencing slow internet and couldn't view the videos, you can listen to the audios instead.


    • The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin (TEXT) File

      The  text for this short story can be downloaded here

    • ACTIVITY: The Story of An Hour Page

      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 ORIGINAL SHORT STORY OUTLINE Assignment

      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 conflict

    • Lesson 2.4 - Homework (FOR Learning) Assignment

      Read 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.