Suzy's Writing Corner - Lesson 3- Creating Your Characters Part 2

Reach for the Stars! Writing Workshop for Kids

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Suzy's Writing Corner

Welcome to my writing workshop for budding young authors. Learn how to create your characters and "show don't tell" their feelings. Write beginnings that "hook" your readers. Learn to use a "writing camera" to freeze a scene, and more! Download free worksheets. Click LESSON 1 on the left sidebar to begin.
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Sep. 10, 2007

Lesson 3- Creating Your Characters Part 2

I've had fun reading about your favorite (and least favorite) characters this week. I've noticed that many students have downloaded the worksheets to use on their own. That's great! You don't have to begin with Lesson One if you ever want feedback. Anytime, just sign Mr. Linky and leave a comment and I'll be happy to read what you've got. However, if you are going for the Certificate of Completion, then you must do every lesson.

This week we are going to build on what we talked about last week. It was important to write about your favorite characters so you can begin thinking about what makes them your favorite (and least favorite) characters.

There are two important things to remember when creating a character for your story: 1) What he looks like (physical traits) and 2) What he is like on the inside (personality traits). It is fun to decide if your hero has brown hair or blond, blue eyes or gray, or if your "bad guy" has squinty eyes and no teeth or maybe one leg and bad breath. But remember, it's what on the inside of the character (his personality) that makes the story interesting to read. Is your hero daring and creative or sensitive and shy? YOU decide.

To help you create a believable character, you may download a couple of VIP (Very Important Papers). This week's download includes:
-- A Character Trait Reference Chart: this chart lists samples of physical traits and personality traits to fire up your imagination. Keep it handy, in your writing folder! Make sure your character has both "good" traits and "bad" traits.
--Blank Character Charts: use these charts to fill in your characters' names, physical traits, personality, and likes/dislikes. Print out as many as you like to have on hand for all your stories. It is a good tool to help you get to know your characters.
--A sample character chart: I've included a sample chart, filled out with some characters from the book I wrote, Long Ride Home. You may use my examples to get an idea on how to fill out your charts if you are unsure.
Download:
LESSON 3 CHARACTERS PART II

I like to find pictures of what my characters look like. I use magazines, catalogs, and the internet to find pictures and keep them in my writing folder. You may want to do that, too.

If you want ideas to help think of names for your characters, here is a link to a baby name site:

The great thing about this site is that you can find popular names for historical times (like 1880), if you are writing a story from the past.

As always, if you would like feedback, sign Mr. Linky or post your assignment as a comment.
Note: Since you can't post the actual character chart, pick one of the characters you put in your chart and post it like this:
Character: Joe Blow
Physical traits: blue eyes, long eyelashes, dark , shaggy hair and dark skin. Tall and skinny, with ears that stick out.
Personality Traits: Friendly and outgoing, but with a quick temper. Bold, adventurous; not very responsible; loyal to his friends.
Likes/Dislikes: Likes chewing gum--day and night. Loves animals--especially crawly ones he can put down his sister's back. Likes to joke around. Doesn't like school--it's hard for him to sit still.

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Comments

Oct. 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by bookworm12

I did the third Assignment come and see when you have time and thanks for the comment :)
Sarah