What makes a great

Character?
Unit 2
Miss Stockl
Preview of Unit
Goals
Text Analysis - Analyze how elements of a story interact,
including plot, character, and setting.
- Analyze how authors develop point of view,
including first person, limited third person, and
omniscient.
Reading - Make inferences, draw conclusions, and
synthesize.
- Provide an objective summary of a text.
Writing and
Language
- Write a comparison-contrast essay.
- Write a summary.
- Correctly use present, past, and future verb
tenses.
- Correctly use appositive phrases.
Speaking and
Listening
- Participate in a panel discussion.
Vocabulary - Use context as a clue to the meaning of words.
- Use reference aids to verify the meaning of
words.
Activity 1
With a partner, brainstorm a list of great
characters from stories, TV shows, movies,
and video games. Then discuss the
following questions.
Why did you choose these characters? Next
to each name jot down what makes him or
her (or it) great.
What similarities do you notice about your
reasons for selecting these characters?
On the basis of your discussion what advice
would you give a first-time author about how
to create great characters?
Point of View
1
st
person point of view
The narrator is a character in the story.
The narrator uses the pronouns I and me to
refer to himself or herself.
The narrator describes his or her own
thoughts, feelings, and impressions.
The narrator does not know what other
characters are thinking and feeling.
Point of View
3
rd
Person Point of View
The narrator is not a character in the story.
The narrator is called limited if he or she tells
the thoughts and feelings of only one
character.
The narrator is omniscient, or all-knowing, if
he or she reveals the thoughts and feelings of
all the characters.
As you read stories you get to know and meet
different characters.
You meet the main characters, the most important
ones, as well as the less important minor characters.
Each character has a motivation, or the reason
behind his or her actions.
A character has traits, which are qualities such as
bravery or sloppiness.
A characters motivation and traits often drive the
plot as the character reacts to events in the story.
Writers use 4 methods of characterization to bring their
character to life.
Methods of
Characterization
Methods of
Characterization
Physical Appearance
A narrators description can tell you about a
character. Ask:
What does the character look like?
What are his or her expressions, gestures, or
body language?
Methods of
Characterization
Thoughts, speech, and actions
A characters words and actions can reveal
his or her personality. Ask:
What does the character think, say, or do?
How does he or she treat others?
What kinds of things are important to him or
her?
Methods of
Characterization
Other Characters
Other characters reactions to a character
can also serve as clues. Ask:
What do others think and say about the
character?
How do they treat him or her?
Narrators Comments
Sometimes the narrator tells you directly
about the character. Ask:
What does the narrator say about the
character?
Does the narrator respect the character or
criticize him or her?
Methods of
Characterization
Zebra by Chaim Potok
Before reading
What has the power to heal?
You never know what kind of wounds will cause the
greatest damage. An argument with a friend can
cause as much pain as a broken leg. Likewise, a
physical injury can also scar the spirit. In Zebra you
will read about a boy your age who needs to heal
both his body and his mind.
Activity
With a partner, create two lists. In the first, list three to
five ways people cope with physical injuries or
disabilities. In the second, identify at least three ways
that people deal with emotional pain.
Ways people cope with
physical injuries or disabilities
Ways people cope with
emotional pain.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
1.

2.

3.
As you read.
My Questions Answers
- What actually happened to
Zebra?
As you read the story Zebra write down any questions you have,
and as you read and find answers fill in the chart.
Vocabulary
Word & Part of
Speech
Definition Sentence
Chafe v. To irritate by rubbing
Contour n. The outline of a figure or body.
Disciplinarian n. Someone who enforces strict
discipline, or rules.
Exuberantly
adv.
In a manner showing enthusiasm
or joy.
Gaunt adj. Thin and bony
Grimace v. To twist ones face to show pain
or disgust.
Intricate adj. Arranged in a complex way,
elaborate.
Jauntily adv. In a light and carefree way.
Somber adj. Serious; gloomy.
Wince v. To draw back, as in pain or
distress.
Chaim Potok
1929-2002
Early Days
While growing up in New York City, Chaim
Potok lived the strict life of a Hasidic Jews. His
parents wanted him to be a religious, scholar.
But by the time he was 16, Potok had started
reading literature other than traditional Jewish
texts. The more he read, the more he
struggled between religious leraning and the
call to become a creative artist.
Coming to Terms
Potok eventually left the Hasidic community
for the Conservative movement of Judaism.
He became a rabbi and published his first
novel in 1967. Much of Potoks writing
centers on characters who try to live in both
the spiritual world and the secular world of
everyday life.

Chaim Potok
Background to the Story
Vietnam War- One of the
characters in this story is a veteran
of the Vietnam War. I.S. troops
fought in Vietnam from 1965 until
1973. Approximately 58,000
Americans died there, and more
than 300,000 were wounded. In
1982, the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial was unveiled in
Washington, D.C., to honor the
men and women who served in
the war. A black granite wall
bears the names of those who
died.
Chaim Potok