Cast of Characters

Cast of Characters is our next exciting unit of study! The overview of activities and requirements are as follows:

Required components:
1. Read two novels by this author, or some total of 200 pages by this author. One may be a book you have already read, but one must be new. (please discuss with teacher if you have concerns or need clarification)

2. Research the author’s life. Write an expository composition to present the author’s personal experiences that influenced their craft, character development, and writing style. (animoto)

3. Create a bio-riddle about the author. (See the attached guideline sheet)


4. Write an autobiography of one of the characters. (you may utilize creative license in filling in blanks not provided by the story but characters must be approved by teacher)
Autobiography must include: Birthdate & place, life story, siblings, experiences that shaped their life, education, etc. This assignment must be typed, and a minimum of six well written paragraphs, presented in 14 point, Times New Roman font)

5. Monologue of the Character: Choose a scene from the book to perform, or introduce the character in a 90- 120 second monologue presented on Blabberize. You will need to choose the scene and find a picture of your character and save it to your flashdrive. You will do the actual “blabberize” at school.

6. Rewrite the ending of the book. Create a change that will make a significant impact on the main character. Maintain the writing style of the author to the best of your ability. For example: Dr. Seuss incorporates rhyme and nonsense words in his writing. This should be typed in 14pt font , a minimum of three paragraphs, and be plausible .

7. Redesign the book cover. On a 9 x 12 sheet of white construction paper, draw and color in colored pencil your design. Remember all the components included on a book cover. This design will then be transferred to canvas during art .

8. Create a Reading Rainbow-style book review of the second novel by the author. Reviews will be shared via podcast on the night of the live performance, as well as linked to class blog.


9. Live performance. At an evening event, act as your character. Be prepared to maintain character by being able to discuss important events of the time period of the novel, quote specific passages from the novel, and BE the individual.


All technology aspects will be completed in class and students will receive significant guidance. The expectation is that drafts are completed in a timely manner so that work can be transferred to the digital media.

Due Dates of Specific Components:

1. Author & book selections: Friday, January 14, 2011
2. Expository composition of author’s experiences( Written copy): Monday, January 31, 2011
(technology aspect will be done in class)
3. Bioriddle about the author: Monday, February 7, 2011
4. Autobiography of book character: Thursday, February 17, 2011
5. Monologue of Character: Thursday, February 24, 2011
6. Rewrite of book ending: Friday, March 4, 2011
7. Redesign of book cover(colored pencil version): Friday, February 25, 2011
8. Book Review(written): Thursday, February 24, 2011
9. Live performance: Week of 21 March.(exact date TBD and announced NLT February 18th)


Students will have significant class time to work on project components, but it is essential that they are productive and efficient.

All technology aspects will be done in class.

If you have questions or concerns about a particular component, please ask prior to the due date!

I am so excited to see what creative and interesting projects result from this endeavor!
YIPEE!