Objectives:

• To introduce the idea of characterization and analysis
• To gain an understanding of the characters in Chapter One of Of Mice and Men
• To apply stories to analyze and draw inferences

Introduction (10 minutes):

Explain characterization as a technique used to draw conclusions and make inferences about characters based on their traits, words, and other character’s interactions with them. Introduce the characters in Of Mice and Men using the events in Chapter 1. To do this, students can watch a video Pixar’s “UP” – “Married Life Love Montage” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZuV7CfjG4w).

Lesson Outline (20 minutes):

-Hand out and have students complete the worksheet “Of Mice and Men Character Analysis” (http://www.teachersprintables.net/preview/Of_Mice_and_Men_Character_Analysis). -Individually, have each student randomly choose one character from Of Mice and Men. -Break into groups of 5-6 students and have each student present his/her chosen character to their group. -Have each group discuss their individual character presentations, coming to a conclusion based on the character’s traits, words, and interactions with other characters.

Questioning (15 minutes):

-What parts of the story reveal a character’s traits, words, and interactions with other characters? -What inferences can you draw from each character’s traits, words and interactions? -Do you think it was easier or harder to draw an inference about the characters without dialogue?

Assessment (10 minutes):

-Have each group write and present a short skit (2 minutes max) reflecting their character analysis.

Differentiation

-Provide students with more or less scaffolding depending on their learning needs. -Connect the character’s traits, words, and interactions with other characters to real world people and events.

Plenary (5 minutes):

-Summarize the class’ discussion, reinforcing the process of analyzing and drawing inferences from a character’s traits, words, and interactions with other characters. -Have students practice applying their new characterization skills to the remaining characters in Of Mice and Men.