Body Biography

In order to demonstrate your knowledge of a character from the novel, you will create a visual and written portrait illustrating your character’s personality.

I have listed the required items for our visual below, but please feel free to add on your own creations.

After completing this portrait, you will share your masterpiece with the class. In your presentation, you should cover the following:

  • Review significant events, choices, and changes involving your character and the novel
  • Share with the class the full nature of your character by emphasizing the characteristics that make him/her who s/he is

Directions: On your sheet of butcher paper, trace the outline of someone in your group onto the paper. Once you have done this, you will fill in your “body” with the items described below.

Body Biography Requirements:

  1. Heart—the area where your character’s heart would be is where you will describe the important relationships within his/her life. What should it look like and what shape, color, pictures, or symbols should be included in it?
  2. The Backbone—this should be represented in a way that visually conveys what motivates the character most. Remember, the backbone is like the foundation or base of your character.
  3. The Hands—what does the character hold in her or his hands? What are the symbols or items in the novel that mean the MOST to the character? This is what the character holds onto throughout the novel (these do not need to be real objects: for example, you could have your character holding onto a dream to play soccer by drawing a soccer ball.
  4. The Feet—on what is the character standing? This should be a symbolic representation of the character's most fundamental beliefs about life.
  5. The Background—draw some elements that suggest the character's environment, background, or situation.
  6. Quotations—near the character's head, place at least three direct quotations from the story that sum up the character and add to an understanding of the character.
  7. Anything else you wish to add that can help your audience gain an understanding of your character.