Writing horror characters.

Creating a truly terrifying horror narrative character (whether they are a psycho
killer, a monster who lives in an abandoned castle or a supernatural specter) is
more than just considering what they are going to do in the narrative.
You have to think about what the first impression of your character would be, what
would the other characters think of him/her/them, does their physical appearance
reflect their personality?
**This example of sequencing shows the range of instruction as well
as self guided learning
experiences to further their learning.
To create a truly horrifying character, use your notes to refresh your memory of the
horror conventions and concepts.
Use the following questions, scaffold and checklist to guide you through creating an
effective and chilling character.
**The continuous organisation of content to reflect content and
skills that are important but also allowing students to build upon more
basic content as they learn more difficult skills
1. What kind of character will it be? (a monster, supernatural, murderer/psycho
killer etc)?
______________________________________________________
2. Fill in the scaffold below using the guiding heading to begin creating your horror
character.
**There is a continuous reiteration of basic conventions/concepts
throughout all activities and lessons
to allow students the opportunity to further engage with the content and
concepts of the course.
5 senses Sight, smell,
taste, touch,
and sound
(and the
"sixth"
sense).
Sight - how
will the
reader
"see" your
character/w
hat do they
look like.
Smell - what
does your
character

Descriptive words - note down some

specific words that help portray your
character.

Descriptive sentence - use the

words in the previous column into
a sentence about your character.

smell like?
Death, dirty,
like an
animal?
Taste instead of
seeing
blood,
character
could 'taste
copper on
the wind'.
Sound what does
your
character
sound like?
If they
speak- what
do they
sound like?
Do they only
make
noises?
What sort?
Touch What does
your
characters'
skin feel
like?
Greasy?
Papery?
What is the
texture of
their clothes
or covering?
"Sixth"
sense
(paranormal
)Unscientific
senses,
powers or
magic. Does
your

character
have a
special skill?
**The sequencing of activities such as this allows students multiple
opportunities to build upon their understanding of the content, execution
of skills and confidence in their work.
3. Imagine your character is at the beach on a hot day buying an ice cream,
describe how your character would do this - What are their actions, how do they act
in this environment? (Remember to "SHOW" and not "TELL" the reader about your
character!)