Character Sketcher Example
Nightjohn by Gary
Paulsen
Section
1 (pg. 1-41)
How to do this job:
1. Select a
character to sketch from the list given by the teacher.
2. Pick
three traits for your character. These traits must be implied characteristics. Write why you think
your chosen character has that trait. You must remember to include the page and
paragraph number as proof.
3. Write
the character’s problem.
4. Write
the character’s goal.
5. Write
the character’s solution or a possible solution if there is no solution given
in this section.
6. Draw a picture, create a collage, or use clip art, or a combination
of these to illustrate your character.
Character: Nightjohn
1. Trait:
steadfast pg. 39-41 par. 5- through p. 41
Nightjohn
is willing to be worked extemely hard, and possibly
receive severe whippings in order to teach other slaves how to read.
2. Trait: powerful
pg. 28 par. 2
Nightjohn is pushed to the edge of
physical exhaustion by Mr. Waller. In this paragraph we find Nightjohn has just entered the plantation. Mr. Waller ran
him the entire distance to the plantation, with no clothing on his body. Then
Waller proceeds to place a shackle on him and as if Nightjohn
was a large working horse, he drives Nightjohn to the
fields to work. Waller doesn’t even allow him to stop for a drink.
3. Trait: educated:
p. 36 par. 2
At sometime in his life, Nightjohn
has been taught to read, by other daring and brave slaves. He now desires to
pass this skill on to others.
Problem: Nightjohn wants to teach
slaves how to read. He has to remain very secretive in his quest to teach
others to read due to the attitudes of the slave “masters.”
Goal: Nightjohn allows himself
to become a slave so that he can teach others to read.
Possible Solutions: Nightjohn
utilizes what little energy he has left at the end of the working day to
quietly trade teaching letters for a bit of tobacco. Nightjohn
could also meet other slaves in a remote area. However, he must be careful not
to be caught.
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