Character Perspective Bend I

The lens through which readers, characters, narrators, etc see themselves, others, and how things are happening is called...

• glasses

• perspective

• barriers

• conflicts

What is one thing we need to ask ourselves to get a better idea of a main character's perspective?

• What do they look like?

• Where do they live?

• What do they need/desire?

• What is their age?

What can we do as readers to figure out the perspective of a minor character?

• We let the author tell us their thoughts.

• We look for clues in their dialogue, actions, and behavior.

• We let the main character tell us the minor character's thoughts.

Why do we need to pay attention to the narrative point of view of a story?

• It helps understand which character is speaking in the dialogue.

• It helps us understand the importance of the setting.

• It helps us understand how our own perspective can be limited.

When we notice a character has changed, it can sometimes be because our perception of that character that has changed.

• True

• False

In this passage, what does the main character need/desire? "See, here's what all the hard-core homework pushers don't get. For people like you, ball is more than just ball. It's a way out. A path to those tree-lined lives they always show on TV."

• He wants to get a college degree and get a better life.

• He wants to use his basketball skills as a way to get a better life.

• He wants to plant trees in his neighborhood.

What is the POV of a book that has more than one narrator using first person (I, me, we)?

• First person

• Second person

• Third person

• Hybrid

What is something we learned about this minor character from his dialogue and actions? “After the cop explains the situation, your pop will put on an uncomfortable smile and vouch for you. He’ll shake hands with the cop enthusiastically, thanking him for his service and apologizing for any trouble you may have caused. Soon as the cop leaves, though, your pops will transform back into himself. ‘Don’t worry about that power-happy [jerk],’ he’ll say, rubbing your shoulder. ‘You didn’t do nothing wrong.'"

• He is uncomfortable and upset because of negative past experiences.

• He is angry with his son for getting in trouble and embarrassing him at work.

• He wishes he were a police officer instead of a factory worker.

What does the main character need/desire?

"Papi and I have a long-term business plan. I'm going to take over his company one day and turn it into an empire. Home Depot will eat my dust. I've already designed my business cards. They've got a sun rising and fancy gold letters, MERCI SUAREZ, CEO, SOL PAINTING, INC."

• She is anxious to go to college and get a business degree.

• She wants to be a manager for Home Depot.

• She wants to run her father's company someday.

• She wants to get a job in web design for businesses and marketing.

What do we learn about Merci's dad from this passage?

"I can't wait to see it happen. Papi is going to yell at them for ruining my work. Any second, his voice will boom across the gym. The walls will rattle. When Papi loses his temper, it feels as if you're trapped inside a huge storm cloud. But as the seconds tick by, absolutely nothing happens. I finally turn to see that Papi has stopped in his tracks, his hands in his pockets as he watches the girls race past. We are ghosts as they go by - unseen."

• His usually a quiet man who does not speak up when he is angry.

• Something is holding him back from reacting the way he usually would.

• He does not like to run for exercise, and is irritated by people who enjoy running.