1. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Character Week
Mentor Text
Character Traits
On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Character Sketch
Paragraph Writing

2. Mentor Text
In the following excerpt from Stephen King’s The Shining make note of word choice.
How does the author’s word choice contribute to the paragraph?
What was your favourite word choice?
Monday

3. His breath stopped in a gasp
His breath stopped in a gasp. An almost drowsy terror stole through his veins. Yes. Yes. There was something in here with him, some awful thing the Overlook had saved for just such a chance as this. Maybe a huge spider that had burrowed down under the dead leaves, or a rat... or maybe the corpse of some little kid that had died here on the playground. Had that ever happened? At the far end of the concrete ring, Danny heard the stealthy crackle of dead leaves, as something came for him on its hands and knees.

4. Elements of a Short Story
Character

5. Elements of a Short Story
Character
Setting
Plot
Point of View / Foreshadowing
Irony
Theme
Monday

6. 1. Characters
1. Character Traits: are the qualities of a certain person, whether they are physical or emotional. You determine some traits by observing the way a character looks. You observe other traits by paying attention to the way the character behaves.
Monday

7. Some Examples
Jesse had no idea how deep the river was. He just jumped.
Trait: reckless
Amanda had no idea why everyone else was laughing as she strolled around the room in mismatched shoes.
Trait: clueless
Susan jumped every time the door opened.
Trait: jittery
Monday

8. 1. Characters
There are six terms we will use to define and describe characters. They are: 2. Protagonist: The main character(s) in the story. He/she always faces a conflict. 3. Antagonist: The character(s) or force that is in conflict with the protagonist. In some cases, this might not even be a living thing.
Monday

9. Protagonist = Main Character
Some Examples:
Can you list five other examples?
Monday

10. Antagonist = Protagonist’s conflict
Some Examples:
Can you list five other antagonists?
Monday

11. 1. Characters
4. Round: Fully developed characters who are complex and realistic. The reader is exposed to different sides of their personality, lifestyle, and interests. Clear and realistic character traits. 5. Flat: Characters who are less developed (often stereotypical) – they are usually minor characters and less realistic.
Tuesday

12. Tuesday Read On The Sidewalk Bleeding Discussion Questions
Character Sheet

13. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
1. What are five character traits of Andy?
2. Discuss the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist.
Monday
If you do not finish the questions in class, they can be taken home to complete. They must be done for the next day.

14. Wednesday - Entry Card
Think back to yesterdays story, “On The Sidewalk Bleeding”. If you were in the position to help, would you?
Tuesday

15. Round vs. Flat
Is the woman in “On The Sidewalk Bleeding” an example of a round or flat character?
Why?
Tuesday

16. 1. Characters
6. Dynamic: A character who undergoes a change in personality. He/she is affected by the events, and it has changed his/her personality, behavior, or perspective on life.
7. Static: A character whose personality remains the same throughout the story. He/she is unchanged by the events that have happened.
Tuesday

17. Static vs. Dynamic
Is Andy an example of a static or dynamic character?
Why?
Tuesday

18. Weekly Assignment
Writing a Character Sketch Write a two paragraph character sketch on either a “protagonist” or an “antagonist” from a story that you have read.
Tuesday. Handout on Character Sketch

19. Paragraphs

20. Paragraphs
You must have a clear idea of what the paragraph is going to be about.
This is because a paragraph is essentially a collection of sentences which all relate to one central topic.
Without a definite idea of what the main topic is, your paragraph will lack focus and unity.
Tuesday

21. Tuesday and Wednesday

22. Topic Sentences
What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about. GRAB THE READERS ATTENTION!
Wednesday

23. Two Parts
Topic sentences are usually made of two parts. One part is the topic. The other part is the controlling idea. The controlling idea limits what you will say about the topic. Both parts are needed if you want to make a good topic sentence

24. Question
Why would a writer want to limit what they will write about a topic?
Why is it important to have one idea for one paragraph?
Wednesday

25. Friday - Entry Card
Proof Read and edit your one paragraph character sketch
Thursday

26. Review - Friday Review your character sketch
Is there one main idea in each paragraph?
Do you have good topic sentences?
Wednesday

27. Review
We will be doing a quick review on character, paragraphs and, topic sentences.
Thursday