1. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Essential Questions:
How can we show the reader our character instead of telling about them?
How can we identify the traits of the character in the model piece?

2. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Great writers use rich details to describe his or her characters. Authors do not tell us about the characters; they show us the characters through...
descriptive detail.
dialogue.
figurative language.

3. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Why do writers use show don’t tell?
To create an interesting story, the writer needs to show not tell the reader about people, places, and things they are writing about.
Showing creates mental pictures in the reader’s mind.
When reader’s get a clear picture, they are more engaged in the writer’s story.

4. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Let’s look at how Mia Walters uses details and dialogue to show us the characters in The Scar.
“Quit your crying boy!” bellowed my father as he stomped into the kitchen. “ I myself never cried a tear in my life!” He loomed over me, looking as mad as a hive of hornets that’s been knocked out of a tree.
The author does not tell us the speaker’s father is upset and intimidates the speaker, but she SHOWS us in several ways.

5. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Turn and Talk:
How can we SHOW the reader that a character is nervous?

6. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
WATCH OUT!
If you overuse show don’t tell, your piece will become confusing.
When should I use show dont’ tell?
In the opening of your story
To introduce a main character
To introduce the setting
To introduce the conflict

7. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Partner Work
Complete the character development sheet. Match each character’s trait with the correct statement. Highlight or circle the words that SHOW us the trait.

8. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Independent Work
Complete the graphic organizer.
Think about the characters you will use for your narrative and how you will SHOW us his or her traits.
Remember:
One of your characters must be June or the speaker from Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.

9. Aim: How can we create interesting characters for our narratives?
Exit Slip
Write a few sentences that “SHOW don’t tell” that a person is scared.