Lesson 7 CCSS Describing Characters in Plays Describe in ...€¦ · their appearance, actions, words, ... Edmund Physical Description Actions Words and Thoughts • big, strong-looking
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Characters are the people, animals, or made-up creatures in a story or drama (a play). You can learn about characters by paying attention to how they look and what they say, think, and do.
What do the characters look like, say, think, and do in this cartoon?
Hurry, Edmund!They’re going to leave without us! Then we’ll
never get home!
What kind of furry monster
is that?
Circle clues that tell you Edmund is afraid of the dog.
Read the diagram below. It shows how you can learn what characters are like based on their appearance, actions, words, and thoughts. You can make and use a diagram like this when you need to describe characters.
Character’s NameEdmund
Physical Description Actions Words and Thoughts
• big, strong-looking alien• hiding behind a tree• biting his fingernails
“What kind of furry monster is that?”
If you want to get to know the characters in a drama, pay close attention to the details about them. The characters in a play might be nice, mean, funny, or bored, but you will only know this by what they say, do, and think. When you pay attention to details about characters, you will better understand them.
Theme: Adventure Plays
Describing Characters in PlaysLesson 7 CCSS
RL.4.3: Describe in depth . . . a character . . . in a . . . drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).
When I read a play, I try to picture in my mind what happens on stage. This includes how characters say their lines. Doing that helps me figure out what the characters are like.
William Tell adapted from a Swiss folktale
1 [Setting: A busy marketplace in Altdorf, Switzerland]
2 WIllIam: Come, my son. I have sold the cowhides. Now we
must buy the things your mother has asked us to get.
3 albert: Yes, Father. And what about a toy for little Lewis?
4 WIllIam: You are a good boy to remember your little brother.
5 OffIcer: Stop, man! Why do you not salute the cap of your
king! [The OffIcer points to a pole. On top is a cloth cap. It
belongs to the Austrian king, who has conquered Switzerland.]
6 WIllIam: I love my country. But I refuse to honor the
Austrian king, who forces suffering upon my people.
7 OffIcer: Then I’ll arrest you as a traitor! What is your name?
8 WIllIam [standing tall]: William Tell.
9 OffIcer: And this is your son? [looks to a nearby sOldIer]
Soldier! Tie the boy to that tree over there!
10 WIllIam: Leave him be! He is only a child!
11 OffIcer: I hear you are a famous shot. Perhaps you can shoot
an apple from the head of your son? If so, I will let you go free.
12 WIllIam: Never, you villain! I would rather die than risk
hurting him. Now let him go, and take me to jail!
13 OffIcer: You will both die unless you shoot the apple as I say.
14 WIllIam [thinking aloud]: Oh, dear life, what am I to do?
15 albert [trembling]: Father, I want to go home.
16 WIllIam: Stand still, my brave boy. I promise I’ll not hurt you.
[He shoots, and then he falls to his knees, sighing with relief.]
17 sOldIer: The apple is split! That was a fine shot!
18 OffIcer [frowning]: I did not believe anyone could make it.
I suppose I must honor my word and set you free.
The officer tells William to shoot an apple from the head of his son. Why does William react angrily? Underline a detail that tells why he reacts angrily.
Close Reading
Read the play. Use the Study Buddy and the Close Reading to guide your reading.
What kind of person is William? Circle three details (such as words, actions, or thoughts) that show what kind of person he is.
Read the play. Then answer the questions that follow.
Robin Hood and the Sad Knightadapted from an English folktale
[Scene 1: Robin Hood and his men are making arrows in the woods.]
1 Little John: How I long for a good meal after today’s work.
2 Robin Hood: Me, too. But not before we find a wealthy traveler to pay the bill. Little John, ride out and find us one.
3 Little John: With pleasure, my master.
4 Robin Hood: Remember, do not bring a farmer or a worker. Those who toil for what they have shall live in peace. Bring only those who are cruel to the poor and the weak.
5 Will Scarlet: Look! [pointing] A knight! But he looks so sad and walks so slowly.
6 [Enter the Knight. His face is tired, and his clothes are dirty.]
7 Robin Hood: Welcome, gentle knight. I am Robin Hood. Will you not join us for dinner? We have meats of pheasant, swan, and deer.
8 Knight: I have not eaten for days. If I come again to this forest, I will repay your kindness.
9 Robin Hood: Sorry, Sir Knight. Here in the forest, our rich guests must pay for their food.
10 Knight: I wish that I could pay you, but I have no money.
11 Robin Hood: Is that the truth? Little John, check his bags.
12 Little John [searches the Knight’s bags]: Indeed, the knight speaks the truth.
13 Robin Hood: Why is it you are so poor? Tell us your story.
14 Knight [sits on a fallen tree]: A year ago, I had plenty of money. But then my son got in a quarrel and to save him, I pledged all my lands. Unless I pay four hundred pounds by next week, I shall lose them all.
15 Robin Hood: Have you no friends to help you in your need?