Characterization: Point of View Creative Writing
Grade level: 8th Grade-12th Grade; appropriate for all learners
Students will be able to:
1. Apply author’s craft, specifically a set of characteristics
2. Determine the link between point of view and characterization
3. Create a brand new piece of writing that is an offshoot of an existing piece
4. Experiment with short story and/or poetry form
Directions for Students:
Your assignment is to create a totally original short story or series of poems based on
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes.
Here’s what you do:
1. Choose a character (or characters) besides Eric to focus on in your story or
poems. Eric can be in your writing, but the point of view should shift away from
his first person storytelling.
2. Create a story or series of poems that focuses on these characters. Give their
point of view of things. You may look at the dysfunctional upbringing of Dale
Thornton, or perhaps what drives Virgil Byrnes’s insane rage. The possibilities
are quite vast. Just be sure to stay consistent with Chris Crutcher’s original story.
3. Your short story or series of poems should act as a parallel story to Staying Fat.
That means that you must take into consideration what takes place in the novel,
but you may create things of your own. Your story or poems should be a
companion to the novel.
A question to guide you: What gaps are there in Eric’s point of view that could
be filled in by using another character’s point of view?
Guidelines
Length:
If you write a short story, the minimum requirement is two pages.
If you write a series of poems, you should construct at least two poems. Your poems
should be a minimum of 10-15 lines each. If you choose this option, understand that the
tone of your poems should be serious. Do not choose this option because you want to
write limericks or other types of comedic poetry.
Format:
Short stories should be double spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman or Arial font.
Poems can use creative spacing, but use 12 pt Times New Roman or Arial font.