Observation #2

After reading chapters 11 - 20...

Get the inside scoop about what makes a character come alive.   Click on the shovel to find out more.  Answer five of the seven questions about your favorite character from Crazy Lady!

One important idea, or theme, of Crazy Lady is that a person should not judge a book by its cover.  Assumptions about a person based only on appearance can be deceiving.  Vernon makes assumptions about people and is surprised to find out what they are really like.  Draw the stick figure below onto your own paper.  Use your answers from the above activity and the novel to complete this chart about your favorite character.

Look at all the ways that the character is created and brought to life (characterization).

 
These can include the following:

• What the character says and how he/she says it
• What the character thinks and feels
• What the character does (actions)
• What the character looks like physically (body language and appearance)
• What other characters (or the narrator) says about the character
• How the character responds to others as well as her/her environment
• How other characters respond to what the character says or does

When a character is created in a story, the author carefully chooses which characteristics to reveal about that character.  This characterization is designed so that the reader totally understands this character.  Answer five of the following seven questions about the character you are analyzing.

1. What are the character's main physical, mental, emotional, moral, and social characteristics?
2. How are the character's characteristics revealed? Are they through circumstances, words, thoughts, actions, or appearances?
3. Do these characteristics aid in the character being consistent (in character), believable, adequately motivated, and interesting?
4. Do the characteristics of the character emphasize and focus on the character's role in the story's plot?
5. What are the character's strengths and weaknesses? Does the character overcome any of his/her weaknesses in the story?
6. What are the character's motivations (needs, interests, desires, fears, and goals)?
7. Also look at the education, occupation, environment, economic status, family background, race, sex, and age of the character.  How do these two sets of factors affect and shape the character's personality, situation, and actions?