Characterization in literature is the process authors use to develop character traits and create images of a character for the audience. What the character says provides a great deal of insight for the reader. The character might speak in a shy, quiet manner or in a nervous manner. The character might speak intelligently or in a rude manner. The author uses a character's thoughts, words and actions to let us, the reader, know more about a character. Using Chapter 7 of the book Phineas MacGuire Gets Slimed, students will explore how Frances O'Roark Dowell uses a character's thoughts, words and actions to develop an understanding of the traits that character posses.
This module should occur after reading the book Phineas L. McGuire Gets Slimed. However the module can be easily adapted to fit any novel that contains figurative language.
In this 2 week module, students will focus on characters within a story (RL.4.3), figurative language and word relationships (L.4.5), and writing an informative essay (W.4.2). They will learn how authors can use different types of language to give the reader a better understanding of that character's traits. Before beginning this module, students should have a basic understanding of character traits and the different types of language authors can use. Prior to beginning the module, students should have read Phineas L. McGuire Gets Slimed by Frances O'Roark Dowell.
