1. OwlTeacher.com CHARACTER SKETCH “Advice to young writers who want to get ahead without any annoying delays: don’t write about Man, write about a man.” - E.B. White

2. OwlTeacher.com It’s so obvious! People surround us everyday. As writers, you have a massive variety of prompts and possibilities in this unit. Whether you choose to write about a real or imaginary person, you only need to observe family, friends, classmates, celebrities, and literary characters for subjects.

3. OwlTeacher.com The description that is often seen in good character sketches comes from students who –make precise observations –Who provide detailed backgrounds –And who create unusual characters. You must be creative when you first select and then describe a person.

4. OwlTeacher.com Character Sketches also help students... Explore other people in an in-depth way: –their behaviors –their attitudes –their appearances

5. OwlTeacher.com This can lead, in turn, to students... Examining their own emotions and personalities. Ideally, when you deal intensely with both the outward appearance and the inner feelings of the person who is the subject of your character sketch, you usually reach self awareness as well!

6. OwlTeacher.com What is a Character Sketch? It is a written composition that outlines and describes a real or imaginary person’s appearance, background, and behavior/attitude.

7. OwlTeacher.com The fact categories: What are his –physical features? –height and weight? –gestures? –behaviors? –job? –leisure activities? –family life? –attitudes?

8. OwlTeacher.com Tinker Bell

9. OwlTeacher.com Albert Einstein

10. OwlTeacher.com

11. Stuart Little

12. OwlTeacher.com When starting a character sketch, brainstorm: What are some unusual names – real or made up? Where do these people live – real or made up? What are some unusual ways of walking?

13. OwlTeacher.com What are some unusual types of clothing or jewelry? Tattoos? What about hair – braided, spiked, sideburns?

14. OwlTeacher.com Assignment: 1.Select an actual or imaginary person. –Can be either someone you know personally (a parent, relative, or friend) –Can be someone you have seen or read about (a professional athlete, musician, or actor) –Can be someone you make up and create on your own.

15. OwlTeacher.com 2.Brainstorm and then come up with a list of 30 facts about your character. Be sure to include details from the fact categories. Also include information like names, where they live, ways of walking, clothes, and hair.

16. OwlTeacher.com In addition, Closely observe a family member or a friend for one day. Take notes on the mannerisms and gestures as your subject speaks and moves. For each gesture that is repeated, explain how it reflects that person’s personality.