Lit Terms Section ELA 7

Name: Per:

Freak the Mighty: Character Study

Part I: Lit Term Notes

Characterization:

Definition:

Characterization can be revealed through:

***Based on how a character is revealed, we can infer their personality traits.***

Direct Characterization:

Definition:

Example:

Indirect Characterization:

Definition:

Examples:

Foils:

Definition:

Examples:

Are Kevin & Max foils?

Complete a body biography poster to find out…

Body Biography Poster

OVERVIEW:

In groups of 4, you will explore Philbrick’s characterization of one character from Freak the Mighty. Each group member will have an independent assignment, but everyone must work together to create the final product: a body biography poster and presentation of it.

ASSIGNMENT:

Posters should be centered on a drawing of the character, complete with details of their physical description, dialogue (both said by and about the character), actions, and setting. From these direct and indirect characterization elements, your whole group will determine which 3 personality traits best describe the character.

What should the poster include?

· a large image of the character whose physical characteristics and personality are incorporated into the picture (AKA every detail should be included for a reason; think SYMBOLISM)

· 3 actions that represent who the character truly is

· 3 quotes said by the character that represent who they are/what he’s about

· 3 quotes said about the character or to the character that reveal who he is

· a setting that indirectly characterizes who the character is/what he’s about/what’s important to him

· names and class period of group members ON THE BACK

For example, the poster of Gwen would show her beauty (physical description), spices in her hand (representing the action of cooking for Kevin & Max), a dialogue bubble reading, “I’m so glad we decided to move back, you know? I feel like we’re all getting a fresh start.” 27 (dialogue said by the character), a dialogue bubble reading, “Hey Gwen, leave the guy alone, huh? You’re acting spastic” 25 (dialogue said about the character), and a picture of a moving truck outside a duplex (setting). Based on these poster elements, one personality trait the group may decide upon is nurturing.

Group Member Tasks:

1. Creative Designer and Organizer (Group Leader)

· artistic, creative, and organized

· responsible for brainstorming/drawing the poster

· makes decisions about where to place each element of the poster and how to symbolize certain thoughts/actions/emotions

· overall design of poster

· group ambassador to meet and field questions from Mrs. Militello

2. Dialogue Researcher

· responsible for finding 3 quotes said BY the character that reveal something about their personality

· responsible for finding 1 quote said about/to the character that reveal something about their personality

· must find 4 quotes total with page #s

3. Action/Dialogue Researcher

· responsible for finding 3 specific actions that reveal something about the character

· responsible for finding 2 quotes said about/to the character that reveal something about their personality

· must include page #s

4. Physical Trait and Setting Researcher

· responsible for finding physical characteristics of the character

· responsible for finding details about the character’s setting that reveals something about the character’s personality

· must find a combination of at least 5 physical/setting characteristics

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

When the research and brainstorming is complete, the whole group must decide on the 3 most accurate and meaningful character personality traits. DO NOT use “nice” as a personality trait; use your words to be as specific as possible.

TIMELINE:

· Tues, Dec. 5: Characterization notes, assign groups & characters, sample poster

· Weds, Dec. 6: Research/brainstorm; drawer sketches w/ input from group

· Thurs, Dec. 7: Finish sketch & Begin actual poster with each element (quote/action/trait) present

· Fri, Dec. 8: FLEX DAY - Work on posters or read independently

· Tues, Dec. 12: Complete poster

· Thurs, Dec. 14: Prepare for presentation (half class period)

· Fri, Dec. 15: Body Biography Poster & Presentation DUE

GRADING:

Groups will be graded on their use of class time as a group, so if you notice a group member slacking, it is your responsibility to encourage them to get back on track. All group members will receive the same grade, so you are only as good as your weakest link. Help one another and motivate each other to choose tasks that play to your strengths.

· Poster will count as 25-point MAJOR grade

· Poster will be graded on the following:

o all elements from all group members evident AND meaningful (including 3 personality traits!)

o poster is eye-catching, neat, organized, and easy to read/see

o spelling, grammar, punctuation

o thoughtfulness behind design (everything on the paper should be there for a reason!)

o participation from all group members equally

RUBRIC:

Category / Explanation / Points
Character Sketch / thoughtful, symbolic, incorporates physical traits, actions, dialogue, & setting / 5
Content / Meaningful quotes (6 total), actions (3 total), settings, & personality traits (3 total) with page #s / 10
ELA Rules / Spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, mechanics, etc / 5
Layout / Reads easily, neat, logical location of images/info, covers entire poster / 5
TOTAL / Major grade / 25