Presentation:  Medieval Character Description

 

The purpose of this activity is to review and practice developing a realistic character and writing with rich detail.

 

Students receive or pick one of the medieval scenes.  From the scene, they pick one character about which to write.

 

The goal is to keep all the writing in the one moment caught in the painting. That one moment though can also include the character's memories (flashback) and hopes and plans for the future (go over the pre-write organizer).  They are not writing a story with a plot.  Even though it's not a story, we still want to try to include an interesting lead and satisfying conclusion. 

 

For about 10 minutes, I have the students review their scene and talk in groups, allowing them to share ideas and ask questions.

 

Then, they work individually on the pre-write organizer for about 10 minutes. They think imaginatively, creating the background information for this character.

 

When they're ready, they individually write their rough drafts, encouraged to put every idea on the paper.

 

After drafting, the students share their writing in small groups receiving specific feedback (strongest detail, favorite part, confusing parts, how the lead or conclusion could be improved, etc.).

 

Then the class is guided through the revising/editing checklist.  Afterwards, it could be helpful to finish the revising with a partner.

 

This activity could be done with photographs, calendar scenes, postcards, etc.

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-writing Organizer: Medieval Character Description

 

What is the character's name?

 

Elements of character:

         What is the character's physical description?

 

         What is the character thinking and feeling?

 

         Is the character saying anything to anyone? 

 

         What is the character doing?

 

         Is the character getting reactions from others?

 

Describe the setting.

 

Why is the character there?

 

When in the character's life is this moment taking place?

 

What is the character remembering, hoping, fearing?

 

What is important to the character in this moment?

 

What does the character...

         see?

         hear?

         taste?

         smell?

         touch?

 

From which point of view do you want to write the story (1st person, 2nd person, 3rd person limited, 3rd person omniscient)?

 

Revising and Editing Checklist

 

Ideas & Content

·      Does it need more of the details from the pre-writing organizer?

·      Are some of the topics off topic and should be cut?

·      Is it on topic (only about one character in one moment)?

·      How many different details are included?

·      How many of the five senses?

·      How many of the five character elements?

 

Organization

·      Does the order of the details make sense?

·      Do the details connect to each other?

·      Are transitions (meanwhile, however, although, etc.) needed?

·      Is there an interesting lead?

·      Is the conclusion satisfying?

 

Sentence Fluency

·      Cross out any first word in sentences that are used more than two times. 

·      If words are repeated, you have some choices.  Look for alternatives from word banks, try reversing the order of the sentence, or try combining sentences.

·      Put a star next to each line where a new sentence starts

 

Word Choice

·      Cross out any dead words or words used more than two times (some exceptions), and look in the thesaurus for alternatives.

 

Conventions

·      Are the commas, end marks, capitals, spelling, and paragraphing correct?

 

Voice

·      Does the tone match the topic? 

·      Even if it's funny, does the writer show that s/he cares about the topic?

·      Does your personality show through in your writing?

 

Kelley Edwards

June 2002