1. Do Now:
Write down three words that best define you on the front of the index card on your desk.

2. Now, turn over your index card...
On your handout, write down this word & what you think it means.
Use your prior knowledge to define the word.

3. How close was your definition?
Look up the actual definition in the dictionary provided & write it on your handout.
*Note: If your word has multiple definitions, write them down.

4. Consider this...
What if the three words you chose to describe yourself were replaced by this word?
In 2-3 sentences, write down how you would feel if people repeatedly identified/labeled you as this word?

5. Sad, but true, story...
Each of the words assigned to you are words characters from our upcoming novel used to identify the two protagonists.

6. Characterization: Direct (tell) Indirect (show)
Author tells us directly about a character & their personality
(Ex: physical characteristics)
Author reveals the character through:
Their thoughts/feelings
Their actions
Their dialogue
Dialogue said about them

7. Master list of words used by other characters to describe protagonists:

8. Consider the connotations...
In addition to the actual definition, the connotation is the IMPLIED definition or association.
Is the word that implied to be positive or negative?

9. Group Work!
In small groups, put the words used to describe protagonists into two categories (one for each protagonist).
Seeing as you have not yet met the protagonists, put your heads together to group the words that are synonyms in the same column.

10. Protagonist #1
Protagonist #2

11. Drawing conclusions...
What can you infer about each protagonist (good and/or bad) based on the names they are called?
Protagonist #1:
Protagonist #2:

12. Freak the Mighty Ticket Out of the Door:
Based on your knowledge of the protagonists and how they are indirectly characterized by other characters, make a prediction/inference about the story, characters, major conflict, and/or theme of the novel based on the title:
Freak the Mighty B