1/23/2019 ARTSEDGE: Creating Characters

/educators/lessons/grade-9-12/Fiction_Creating_Characters

Creating Characters
Techniques for Creating Dynamic Characters

Overview
Summary
Key Staff
Students examine character as a significant element of fiction. They learn several methods of
This lesson can be taught
characterization, identify and critique these methods in well-known works of fiction, and use the
by a classroom teacher or
methods in works of their own. Students also identify, examine, evaluate, and use the elements
teachers with a basic
dialogue and point of view as methods of characterization.
understanding of literature
Learning Objectives in informal settings.

Students will:
Key Skills
Making Art: Composing
Examine, analyze, and evaluate character as an element of fiction writing.
and Planning, Producing,
Define and identify characterization, dialogue, and point of view in works of fiction.
Executing and Performing,
Incorporate characterization, dialogue, and point of view in their own writing.
Analyzing Assessing and
Write for a variety of audiences: peers, teachers, parents, school-wide community, and beyond.
Revising
Developing Arts
Teaching Approach
Literacies: Understanding
Teaching-For-Use Genres, Applying
Vocabulary, Analyzing and
Teaching Methods Evaluating - Critique,
Comparing Styles
Discussion Creative Thinking:
Lecture Creativity and Innovation,
Group or Individual Instruction Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving,
Assessment Type Communication and
Informal Assessment Collaboration

next: Preparation >

CREDITS
Writers
Kathy Cook
Original Writer

Andria Cole
Adaptation

© 1996-2019 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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1/23/2019 ARTSEDGE: Creating Characters

/educators/lessons/grade-9-12/Fiction_Creating_Characters

Creating Characters
Techniques for Creating Dynamic Characters

Preparation
Lesson Setup
What You'll Need
Teacher Background
Materials
Like most literary elements, character depends on other elements to thrive. Students will have to grasp
multiple concepts in order to create believable characters. Encourage them to have patience with the Resources
process. Visit teachingcomics.org for characterization resources. Printable
Worksheet - Methods of
Prior Student Knowledge Characterization
Guide - Revealing a
Basic vocabulary and concepts of fiction writing including:
Character
Definition of fiction Assignment - Writing
Categories within fiction (short story, novel, novella, etc. Dialogue
Familiarity with terms used within and to describe fiction (character, plot, setting, dialogue, etc.) Assignment - Point of
View
If students need a refresher, visit Literary Elements
Required Technology
Physical Space 1 Computer per Learner
Classroom 1 Computer per Small
Group
Grouping Required Plugins
Small Group Instruction Flash
Individualized Instruction PDF

Staging Technology Notes

Internet access is needed.
Arrange handouts in the order the class will address them. Post content vocabulary words for easy
reference.

Accessibility Notes
Students with physical disabilities may need modified movements.

< previous: Overview next: Instruction >

CREDITS
Writers
Kathy Cook
Original Writer

Andria Cole
Adaptation

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1/23/2019 ARTSEDGE: Creating Characters

/educators/lessons/grade-9-12/Fiction_Creating_Characters

Creating Characters
Techniques for Creating Dynamic Characters

Instruction
ENGAGE

1. Draw a large stick figure on the board. Draw arrows from its head, mouth, heart, and body. Label Resources in Reach
the head “thoughts” (expressed through a particular point of view); label the mouth “speech” Here are the resources
(dialogue); label the heart “emotions”; and label the body “physical descriptions and actions.” you'll need for each
activity, in order of
2. Explain that characters are often similar to human beings in the real world. A character is a
instruction.
person (or sometimes an animal) who takes part in the action of a work of literature. Generally, the plot
of a short story focuses on one character—called the main character. A story may also have one or Engage
more minor characters. They keep the action moving forward and help the reader learn more about
Worksheet - Methods of
the main character.
Characterization
3. Explain that typically, not all character traits are revealed at the same time. Information about
Build Knowledge
characters is given to the reader in pieces and clues throughout the story. Sometimes, however, it may
be necessary to give a short sketch of your main character at or near the beginning of the story. Guide - Revealing a
Characters are defined in a variety of ways through thoughts and emotions, dialogue, actions, and Character
physical descriptions. Explain that authors use these elements to make characters believable.
Apply
4. Review the handout Revealing a Character: An Example. Have students read the passage in Assignment - Writing
which all four techniques are used to characterize a girl named Kelly who is visiting Sally O'Brien, her Dialogue
best friend. In the passage, Mrs. O'Brien is Sally's grandmother. Show the students the following Assignment - Point of
statements, and have them point out the lines from the excerpt that prove each statement and name View
the methods of characterization used.

Kelly has a ponytail.

Kelly thinks that Mrs. O'Brien has a sour face.
Kelly is concerned about Sally.
Sally’s mother was nice to Kelly.

5. Pass out the Methods of Characterization worksheet and magazines. Have students complete the worksheet by choosing a
photograph of a person or animal (or other image they'd like to personify) from a magazine and providing 2-3 details for each method
of description listed on the chart. The physical description of the character in the magazine is clear, but it is up to the student to decide
which details they would like to reveal to the reader.

6. Ask students to share their character and characterization details with the class. Ask students to explain their choices.
Discuss details that reveal character traits effectively. Make suggestions about details that might benefit from sharper descriptions.

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

Now that students have had a brief introduction to characterization, reiterate that it is a literary element with multiple moving parts and
elements. In other words, the use of other literary elements is necessary in order for characterization to be successful (For the
elements of fiction, see the ReadWriteThink lesson, Book Report Alternative: The Elements of Fiction.)

1. Review and discuss the following terms.

Dialogue: The conversation of characters in a literary work. Dialogue is typically enclosed within quotation marks in works of fiction.
Dialogue may stand in stark contrast to exposition as it comes directly from the characters.

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Diction: The selection of words in a literary work. The words used by an author to reveal character, convey action, demonstrate
attitudes, and indicate values. Diction may be lofty, plain, common, etc.

Dialect: the form of language spoken by people in a particular region or group. In a literary work, dialect may be used to paint a true
picture of the characters.

Point of view: The angle or perspective from which a story is told.

First person point of view: The narrator is a character or observer in the story. In general, the narrator participates in the story’s action.
A first person narrator is not objective and the reader must keep this in mind.

Objective point of view: The narrator tells what happens in a story without stating more than can be inferred from the action and
dialogue. The narrator is a detached and does not disclose anything about what the characters think or feel.

Third person point of view: The narrator does not participate in the story’s action. He or she is not one of the characters, but is able to
relay to the reader how the characters think and feel. This outside voice is limited, or only has access to the characters’ impressions.

Omniscient point of view: The narrator knows everything about all the characters. He or she is all knowing or omniscient.

2. Pass out excerpts of several works of literature that illustrate each method of characterization. Lead a shared reading of the
excerpts. Identify the information that can be gathered about the characters. Have students highlight or underline examples. Discuss
how the writers use characterization as a literary technique and how point of view impacts the story. Evaluate the success of the
characterizations. Ask students to note what they like and dislike about each excerpt/technique.

3. Ask students the following discussion questions:

Think about the characters in some of your favorite books. What qualities did these characters have that attracted you to them? How
did the author express those qualities? Have you ever read a book that did not have interesting characters? How did this affect your
view of the book?

Resources for this step:

Literature excerpts that illustrate characterization

Revealing a Character: An Example

APPLY

1. Pair students. Have them work together to complete one (or more) of the following writing assignments:

Write a characterization of someone you know. Let the reader decide from your writing what kind of person you are describing.
Show, do not tell.
Create a character. Describe your character completely. Use details that help your readers imagine completely your creature or
person.
Describe a person or character whose physical appearance impressed you. The person may have been stunning, extraordinarily
plain, physically challenged, cruel or sinister looking, etc. In what kind of mystery/riddle could the character be involved?

2. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a list of character traits. Have each group create a character who
illustrates its list of traits but without using the actual adjectives. Then have each group read its characterization aloud so other
students can attempt to determine which adjectives the character exemplifies. If time allows, try a variation of this activity. Give every
group a list of the same adjectives; the class could then analyze different ways to illustrate the same character traits.

3. Help students better understand dialogue. Distribute the student Writing Dialogue handout containing guidelines for
writing dialogue and the choices for writing assignment topics. Students should complete one or more of the writing
assignments outlined on the handout.

4. Help students better understand point of view. Have students complete one or more of the assignments on the
accompanying Point of View Assignment handout.

REFLECT

1. Have students write an essay that defines and analyzes characterization as a literary element/technique.

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Students should work independently. In their own words, they should define characterization and explain how and why it is used in
literature. Students should support their essays with examples from three or four literary works. Essays should include an evaluation
of the supplemental elements dialogue, diction, dialect, and point of view.

~OR~

Have students write a short story that employs each device used in characterization. Students should work independently. The short
story should use the different methods of characterization, including dialogue, to develop characters and plot. The point of view of the
short story should be clear and consistent.

2. Have students share their essays/stories. Students can share in small groups or with the whole class.

3. Have students offer constructive criticism for the essays/stories. Follow the pre-established rules for criticism. Allow the class
discussion to include criticism of the work of well-known authors.

ASSESSMENT

A successful essay will be well organized and supported with details. It will address each detail in the prompt.
A successful characterization will reveal the thoughts and emotions, actions, physical descriptions, and impressions of characters
by other characters.
Peer evaluation
Self assessment

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CREDITS
Writers
Kathy Cook
Original Writer

Andria Cole
Adaptation

© 1996-2019 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/lessons/grade-9-12/Fiction_Creating_Characters#Instruction 3/3