Instead of grading another book report, instruct students how to create interesting posters based on their favorite novels. The poster focuses on the types of fictional characters.
Preparing for the Fictional Character Type Poster Lesson
Teach students the fictional character type definitions. It is best if the definitions are coupled with examples from a novel that the entire class has read in the past. The following examples in the definitions are from the novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton [Penguin Group, USA, Inc. Viking Juvenile, 1967].
Round Characters are characters who are multi-dimensional and are usually the protagonist. They tend to be more developed physically, mentally, and emotionally and are detailed enough to seem real.
- Ponyboy Curtis is a round character because he is school smart, yet he wants to fit in with the Greaser gang. He has faults like forgetting to call home when he is late, just like any teen.
Flat Characters are characters who are one sided and less developed. They tend to be minor characters who are stock characters, such as the stereotypical air head, tough guy, class clown, etc.
- Buck Merrill is friends with another dangerous character, Dallas Winston. They are both known for criminal acts. Ponyboy does not like him. Buck is the stereotypical bad boy
Dynamic Characters are characters who go through a significant change during the course of the story. Changes include ones of insight, understanding, commitment or in values. The protagonist is usually a dynamic character.
- Johnny Cade is an abused, quiet boy who needs protection and stability from the Greasers. He is constantly picked on by the Soc. In the end, he shows courage and saves many lives in the church fire. He dies from injuries from the fire later but as a hero and not a scared young man.
Static Characters are characters who do not change in the story. They remain stable through the course of the story.
- Tim Shepard is likable, but his gang is more violent and is considered Hoods instead of Greasers. However, he hates the Socs too and helps the Greasers when needed.
Steps for Creating a Fictional Character Type Poster in the Classroom
1. Students need an 11 x 17 piece of white paper or a poster board. In addition, students need markers, colored pencils and possibly glue and scissors.
2. Instruct students to think about a favorite novel that they have recently read.
3. On notebook paper, they should make a draft of what will go on the poster. Students need to choose one character for each type: round, flat, dynamic or static. Then, they need to write why each character fits the description.
4. The poster should include the following:
- Book title and author – this should be very prominent on the poster
- A different character from the book fitting each description of round, flat, dynamic or static. The complete name should be followed by the written description of why that character is round, flat, dynamic or static.
- A symbol or picture for each character drawn or glued to the poster.
5. Grade posters with a rubric. It is best if the rubric is created before the lesson is introduced to help guide the students in creating the poster. Criteria for the posters could include the following:
- All items included: book title, author and one character for each type of fictional character: round, flat, dynamic and static
- Neatness -- All items are neatly written and placed
- Color and pictures -- Each type of fictional character has a colorful picture or symbol
- Description of why a character fits the definition of a particular type of fictional character
Other relevant article: Plot Element Lesson
Kellie Hayden - She is a 19 year veteran teacher with a master's degree in education and NBCT, 2000. Kellie teaches 8th grade language arts, TAG and ...
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