1. ASManager2_6.zip Driver
2. D_FIGUR.txt File Contents

D_FIGUR.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2_6.zip)

Name: <  >
Class: <  >
Date: <  >




Figurative Language


Figures of speech add spice to a character sketch. Here is an example:

Petey's skin took on a golden cast. His thin, limber body trembled in the sun like seaweed. He stood, a bird on one leg, craning his neck up toward the sky.

Rich details are added by the simile, "body trembled like seaweed," and the metaphor, "He stood, a bird on one leg."

Delete the words that are incorrect.



We sense that Petey is near:


forest         water      desert



We sense that Petey is:


bored         ill        joyful



We sense that the sky is:


bright       overcast     murky


Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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Discuss your answers with a writing partner. This lesson will model and ask you to use figures of speech in writing a character sketch. You will want to recognize and write figures of speech, even though you may not know specific types, or labels.

Similes are used in everyday conversation. "Prue is stubborn as a mule." "Josh eats like a horse."

Such expressions are colorful, but overused. An editor might say they were "trite." Try to invent your own figures of speech to sketch a character, rather than using ones you already know. For example, you could say Prue is stubborn as crab grass, and Josh eats like his stomach is on "empty."


Try completing these:


I feel as lazy as <  >.

Little Tim is as fearful as <  >.

Rita's hair looks like <  >.

Big John has a <  > like <  >.



Some answers to consider among the many possibilities are: "a hot August afternoon," "a fleeing rabbit," "blond tinsel," "moustache like a bow tie."


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A fancier figure of speech is the metaphor, which makes a direct comparison without using the words "as" or "like."

     The mule in Prue comes out in her attitude.
     If Josh were an automobile, he'd be a gas hog!


To make a figure of speech work in your character sketch, be sure you show your character has the quality stated or implied in the comparison. In other words, the figure of speech should support the quality you assign to your character.



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Prewrite

Draft a two- to three-paragraph character sketch using one, two, or possibly three figures of speech. You may begin now, if you wish. When your draft is completed, go to the Rewrite/Edit section to continue this activity.

If you want more help, skip down and follow the steps below to work your way through the writing.


<  >




Or . . .

Step 1


Think of someone you actually know, have read about, or seen in movies or on television. Choose someone about whom you can write two or three paragraphs. Some possibilities are:

People you know: a friend; a parent; a teacher; a neighbor; or a public figure.

People you have read about: a president; a political figure; a social leader; a spiritual leader; a scientist; a business person; or a labor leader.

People you see in movies or on television: an actor or actress; a newscaster; or a commentator.

People in the limelight for good or ill: a sports figure; a musician; a crime victim; or a criminal.


The person I choose for my character sketch is:


<  >




Step 2


List short answers to the following questions. Research is permitted! Skip questions that do not fit your character.

Actions:

How does the person act or behave?
What does the person do for work or play?


<  >





Speech:

How does the person talk?
What does the person say?


<  >





Appearance:

What does the person look like?
How does the person dress?
How does the person stand, sit, or walk?


<  >





Reactions:

How does the person react to others?
How do others react to the person?


<  >



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Step 3


Draw a conclusion about your person's leading characteristic or quality, the one quality or characteristic you wish to write about. To get started, complete this sentence:


My character's actions lead me to think he/she is <  >.


Besides your character's actions, consider also appearance, speech, and reactions.


My character's <  > lead me to think he/she is <  >.


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Step 4


Choose one of the following qualities, or think of one of your own.

Delete all the words that you feel don't describe the character you are creating, then add any additional descriptive words that come to mind.

aggressive      helpful      positive     alert
irritable       quarrelsome  bored        jealous
relaxed         casual       kind         stubborn
determined      lazy         tired        enthusiastic
morbid          vital        fearful      nonchalant
watchful        gentle       opinionated  joyful


A leading quality of my character is <  >.


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Compose

Draft your character sketch. Get your ideas down to support the main idea you wish to convey about your character. Don't worry about figures of speech at the draft stage.


<  >


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Rewrite/Edit

Make a copy of your draft at the angle brackets below and begin "shaping" your character sketch by rewriting. Make general words or ideas come alive by adding details. One way is through figures of speech. In a two- or three-paragraph sketch, three figures of speech may be enough.

Reminder: The basis of any character sketch is to show one or two "particular" qualities or characteristics, ones that reveal the person from your perspective.



<  >


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Peer Exchange

Confer with your partner. Discuss the details of appearance, action, behavior, and speech. Do they work as evidence? Do they support the character's leading quality?

You may want to print just your final sketch for this purpose.

Scroll back up and revise and edit your work.



If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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end of activity
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