- Grade Focus
- Grade 8
- Age Level
- 13
- Subject
- Literature
- Technology Integration Activity
- Imaging
- Estimated Time of Completion
- 2 Block Periods (90-100 min each)
A TALE OF TWO CITIES Character Analysis
Downloads for this lesson plan
Introduction
This lesson reviews the methods authors use to create realistic characters in literature. The students will analyze characters from the novel A Tale of Two Cities. Students will then take on the personality of a character of their choice (provided in a list) and create a FaceBook/MySpace page or Blog for that character to demonstrate their analysis and characterization abilities.Prerequisite Experience
Students must have a basic knowledge of the methods authors use to create characters as well as practice analyzing characters from literature.
Students must have already read Book I and Chapters 1-10 of Book II of A Tale of Two Cities, and have created a Venn Diagram, comparing and contrasting Sydney Carton and CHarles Darnay (or you can add time to Engage, and do the Venn Diagram at that time). This lesson could also be modified to use after reading the entire text.
I use the following:
Characterization Techniques:
1. An explicit statement (from the author via the narrator).
2. The character’s appearance.
3. Aspects of the Setting (how does the character affect or influence the setting, and how does the setting influence the character?).
4. Reactions of and toward the character.
5. What other characters say about the character.
6. The character’s actions (including mannerisms/habits).
…and MOST importantly...
7. What the character says himself/herself.
Character Analysis Tool "The Big 6" (created by me):
1. Determine Basic Facts (important to the story) and Personality traits of the character.
2. Determine what he/she wants (this may be more than one thing!).
3. Determine the character’s motivation (why does he or she want these things?).
4. Determine the type(s) of conflict the character encounters (individual vs…).
5. Determine whether the character is static (the character does not change, grow or develop) or dynamic (the character does grow, change, or develop).
Put these things together to synthesize and determine the character’s…
6. Purpose in the story, novel, or poem
Teacher Prep Time
Teacher will need to make excerpt packets for the students to highlight and interact with. Depending on how many excerpts you pull, it may take more time to make the excerpt packets. I have attached PDF's of the packets I made for reference.
You'll need to set up a Blog for the Extend assignment. If you don't have a Blog set up or are unable to do so, you can make the Blog assignment into a journal.
You will need to have the students download the FOSS program Audacity if you do not already have it. It is free!
Project
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of character analysis and characterization by creating a FaceBook Page.Assessment/Grading
Rubric (attached to lesson)Time Management Tips
I suggest completing Engage through Explain on Day 1. Elaborate through Extend can take place on Day 2. Evaluate and/or Extend can also be made a HW assignment if the Elaborate portion seems to take longer.Lesson Plan Details
Engage
Charles Darnay vs. Sydney Carton
ü Class will review the character Sydeny Carton and Charles Darnay using Excerpt Packet 1 and the Venn Diagram created last class to compare and contrast Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay.
At this time, you may also choose to actually create the Venn Diagram.
Explore
Character Analysis: Interpreting Text Excerpts from A Tale of Two Cities
ü Teacher will lead the students through examining the excerpts in the packets.
ü Students will look for and identify the following in the etx by highlighting and making notes:
1. Characteristics of the following characters: Sydney Carton, Lucie Manette, M. & Mme. Defarge, & Charles Darnay2. Identify which method of characterization is being used.
ü Students will make notes in the margins of their packets.
Character Analysis: Compare/Contrast
ü Students will work in their table groups to compare and contrast M. & Mme. Defarge.
Class will come together to discuss and synthesize answers.
Explain
Character Analysis: “The Big 6”
ü Students will work in table groups to identify the following for Sydney Carton, Charles Darnay, Lucie Manette, the Marquis, and Mme. Defarge:
1. Determine Basic Facts (important to the story) and Personality traits of the character.
2. Determine what he/she wants (this may be more than one thing!).
3. Determine the character’s motivation (why does he or she want these things?).
4. Determine the type(s) of conflict the character encounters (individual vs…).
5. Determine whether the character is static (the character does not change, grow or develop) or dynamic (the character does grow, change, or develop).
ü Each table will analyze one character.
Class will come together and synthesize responses (purpose in novel will not be discussed until we discuss theme).
Students will make notes in their packets and on their analysis notes.
Elaborate
Character Analysis Project: FaceBook/MySpace or Blog
ü Students will create a digital FaceBook/MySpace or Character Blog for one of the following characters (student choice): Lucie Manette, Mme. Defarge, Charles Darnay, the Marquis, or Sydney Carton.
ü Students must include the following in their projects:
1. Accurate analysis as produced in “The Big 6” for that character, including major conflicts!
2. Choose a color symbolizing the character and provide a detailed explanation.
3. Students must take on the personality of the character for this project.
4. Create at least 6 Status Updates that chronicle events that have happened in the novel (from your characters' Point of View, of course). These updates should also include your character's main desire and motivation.
5. Add at least 3 informational posts such as "______ and _____ are now friends," or "_____ joined ______ cause."
6. A picture is a must!
7. A Likes and Dislikes section with at least 5 things in each categroy.
8. A Personailty Traits Section with at least 10 traits.
Limited to one full page (front only). Design your page well!!!
ü Students will post their pages to SharePoint when finished.
Evaluate
Reflectionü Students will reflect on the activity by responding to the following in a Microsoft Word document in a diamond standard paragraph:1. How does taking on the personality of the character help you under him or her further? Explain your answer. ü Students will post their paragraphs to SharePoint when finished.Extend
Peer Responseü Students will complete the following assignment for homework:1. Respond to the Blog from the point of view of the character you analyzed in you project.2. Remember your log-ion is your first and middle initial followed by your last name. No caps!3. Your password is your student #.ü Students will use the FOSS program Audacity to record their Blog Responses. 1. Students should use voice and tone to take on character.Students will post their audio files to SharePoint to turn them in.