Character Impressions through Descriptive Language
Dive into the world of character development by analyzing the use of nouns, verbs, similes, and contrasts to create vivid first impressions. Explore the impact of names and descriptive details in shaping initial perceptions of characters. Uncover the art of questioning choices in writing to deepen characters' complexity.
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Presentation Transcript
Establishing Character Learning Objectives: Be able to use nouns and verbs to create a first impression of a character. Be able to use similes and contrast to develop a first impression of a character. Be able to explain and question choices in writing.
A black shadow dropped down into the circle. What/ who is the black shadow ? What does the verb dropped suggest? What is the circle ? What atmosphere do you think the writer is trying to create here?
A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther What is our first impression of this character? What impression does the name Bagheera give? What about the definite article the ..? What is the effect of referring to the black shadow first?
A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther
A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther, inky black all over, but with the panther markings showing up in certain lights like the pattern of watered silk. Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody dared to cross his path; for he was as cunning as the wolf, as bold as the wild buffalo, and as reckless as the wounded elephant. But he had a voice as soft as wild honey dripping from a tree, and a skin softer than down. How is our first impression of this character developed here? What words and phrases create this impression? What do the similes suggest?
A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther, inky black all over, but with the panther markings showing up in certain lights like the pattern of watered silk. Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody dared to cross his path; for he was as cunning as the wolf, as bold as the wild buffalo, and as reckless as the wounded elephant. But he had a voice as soft as wild honey dripping from a tree, and a skin softer than down.
Replace the noun phrases and verb in the text below to create a first impression of either a wolf, buffalo or elephant. What impression do you want to give of the character? Think about: the noun phrases and verb you use to create an impression of the character; the name you choose and what this suggests about the character. A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther A ________ _________ into the circle. It was _______the________________
In pairs, take it in turns to share and explain your choices: Which animal did you choose? What impression did you want to give of the animal? Why the name? What verb choice did you make and what impression does it give? You should also respondto your peer s work and explanation, perhaps by making a comment or asking a question e.g.: I like your choice of verb/name here because it gives the impression that your character is Why did you choose that verb? Perhaps if you chose this verb .
Continue your passage, using similes (and contrast?) to develop an impression of your character. A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther, inky black all over, but with the panther markings showing up in certain lights like the pattern of watered silk. Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody dared to cross his path; for he was as cunning as the wolf, as bold as the wild buffalo, and as reckless as the wounded elephant. But he had a voice as soft as wild honey dripping from a tree, and a skin softer than down.
In pairs, take it in turns to share and explain your choices: What similes did you use and what impression did they give? You should also respondto your peer s work and explanation, perhaps by making a comment or asking a question e.g.: I like your choice of . Why this simile?
Having reflected on your writing, and shared this in pairs, take a few minutes to develop your description further.
How have your choices developed the impression of your character? How did talking about/ questioning writing choices develop your writing?