Teen Writers - Character Development

PGPL Thu, 02/04/2016 - 16:40

Description

With the use of a Prezi presentation, get young writers (or any writers!) to develop a character from scratch. A step-by step process to create a character, develop them into well-rounded and fleshed out personalities with a past, present, and future, character traits, and recognize their unique values and perspectives.

Also provided: A worksheet that helps the author develops their character based on each step of the walk-through. You'll find this in the 'promotional material' section (for lack of better place to put it).

Project Link

Creating a Character:
Source Library
Prince George Public Library

Program promotional materials

Buid a Charater Worksheet.pdf

Length of program session

60-120 minutes

Presenter(s)

Staff
Audience

Primary Audience

Middle School/Junior Secondary (Gr. 8-10 or aged 13-16)
Senior Secondary (Gr. 11-12 or aged 17-18)

Secondary Audience

Adults
Seniors
Resources

Budget for this program

Minimal

Resources required (materials/supplies; food/refreshments, etc.)

Laptop or tablet with internet access (to access Prezi)
Projector (to display prezi)
Writing material: paper, pen

Snacks are always a bonus.
Evaluation

Feedback from Participants

Really positive.

Highlights - what worked well?

My teens have loved this walk-through, and I know some access the Prezi and use it on their own time. Providing the worksheets helped keep them organized and on task.

What were the goals/objectives of your program?

Create a walk-through that will help young writers develop a character from scratch. Final product should be a fleshed-out, well rounded charater with strong personality traits, a history, and known likes/dislikes which the writer can then use in their writing.

What would you change about this program?

It can take some time. I've done it quickly with small groups in less than an hour, and with larger groups over two 1.5h long sessions. You can tailor it so it doesn't take as long by limiting the number of items on the original lists to 10 items, and shortening the time they have to work through each step, or skipping the 'sharing' steps.