Characterization Collage

1. The first day will begin with a lesson on characterization, which is the way an authors develops a character. Tell the students the authors uses the following to give the reader information about a given character:

a. Their thoughts
b. Actions
c. Language
d. Appearance
e. What others have to say about the character
f. The character's past

Also introduce the concept of direct and indirect characterization. Discuss how both can include the information in one through six.

*It would be suggested that you put the above information in a Power Point Presentation*

2. After the power point presentation have students read a story relevant to them, that shows a clear example of characterization. I would suggest Toni Cade Bambara's "Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird".

Have them choose their favorite character in the story and show examples of how the author uses direct and indirect characterization to develop that individual. Make certain they are able to answer a few of the following:

* What do you know about the character's age, appearance, past, thoughts, language, and what others say about him/her?*

3. This may be the second day. Now you would need to explain to the students that they are asked by NBC to come up with characters for a new sitcom about a group of high school students attending a multicultural school. The characters are composed of three males and three females. Their job is to get into six groups and develop those chracters using the methods learned earlier.

4. Once they have developed the characters using:
a. Their thoughts
b. Actions
c. Language
d. Appearance
e. What others have to say about the character
f. The character's past
g. Give the character a name (you can use this to also discuss how names can give clues to the character's personality, ethnicity, etc...)

Give the students the following materials:

a. Magazines
b. Poster Board
c. Markers, Crayons, and/or Colored Pencils
d. Glue

The students are to use the materials to create a collage of their characters. Therefore, it is up to the teacher to have a variety of magazines on hand. Remember to cater to your students, there needs and their culture.

(This can also be accomplished using Power Point, Publisher, and/or Microsoft Word)

5. Once the collages are complete let them introduce their characters to the class. Display their work and let the class come up with a name for the sitcom.

*This can also be adapted to discuss historical figures*