Character AnalysisI have used this form to teach 9th graders how to analyze characters in fiction. First, I go over the form, covering the definitions needed. Then, I have the class read one fiction selection, usually 'The Most Dangerous Game,' and then I teach the class how to fill out the form, clarifying definitions as we go through the form. Next, the class reads another short story. They are divided into groups and use the first completed form as notes to fill out the second one for a group grade. Then they read one or more short stories and have a test [as individuals] and fill out the form in class for one of the stories, using any and all notes that they have taken including the previous forms. [This policy teaches the value of notes and paying attention in class.] As an alternate, they have a test in which they are to demonstrate their knowledge of the characters using concepts from the character sheet.
(CharSht.Eng) 5/93 Character's Name__________________
1. Is the character static______ or dynamic_______?
2. a. What type of person is the character? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ b. What parts of the story make you feel this way about the character? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ 3. In what ways has society or the environment created the character? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
4. How is this character's society different than yours?
5. a. How does the character appear to other characters?
Which Characters? Their opinions about the chosen character. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ b. Is the character aware of how he/she appears to others? Yes__ No__ Explain___________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ c. How self aware is the character? Very little 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Completely (Circle one) Explain your choice ________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ 6. a. How does the character view his/her own world? ____ ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ b. Is this view realistic? Yes__ No__ Why?_____________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
7. Would a person behave in real life like the character does
Explain in detail. _________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ EXTRA CREDIT:
8. a. What type of person is the author in your opinion,
b. What do you think led the author to write this way? ____ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
9. Is the character complex/round _____ or simple/flat _____?
Explain your choice. _______________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
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