Grades 6–8
60+ Minutes
Narrative
VideosSarah Richman is a writer, author, and poet based in Washington, DC. Her poetry and prose are published across the United States and Scotland, including two for-hire science fiction books for kids, The Cheat and Family Ties. Sarah holds Creative Writing and International Studies degrees from Macalester College, where she also wrote sketch comedy. She likes good tea and bad movies. To learn more about Sarah, visit sarahrichmanwriter.com.
You will learn how to develop an authentic character to use in your next story.
STEP 1
Begin by watching the video. Then, answer this prompt in your writing journal: “Design a basic character that you can develop in this lesson. For example: “Twelve-year-old boy who loves art”
STEP 2
Next, you’ll begin developing the basic character you just created by answering questions about them. On pages 2-6 of the Character Choices—Handouts, you will see a box with a single question in it. These questions will help you bring the basic character you just designed to life. Before you start filling out the handouts, read all 5 questions and choose at least 3 that you’d like to work through (or, choose to complete all 5!). After you’ve chosen your 3 questions, fill out both sections of those handouts. There is an example of how to complete these sheets on page 1.
STEP 3
Test out your brand-new character by writing...
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