Writer's Model HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON Writing a Character Analysis INTRODUCTION Character and setting Author and title Summary statement Thesis BODY Character trait #1 Evidence (thoughts and actions) Character trait #2 Evidence (words) Evidence (action) Evidence (words and thoughts) Character trait #3 Martin's Pride The main character in Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve's "The Medicine Bag" is a young boy named Martin, who lives in a city away from his ancestors' Sioux reservation. He struggles with feelings of shame and pride about his great-grandfather. At first, Martin makes up wild fantasies to brag about his great-grandfather even though he is ashamed of him. However, by the end of the story, his boasting has changed to a true pride in his heritage. The story begins with Martin admitting that he and his sister often tell glamorous stories about their Sioux "grandpa." Martin boasts to make himself look important to his friends. He leads them to believe that his great-grandfather is like the Indians seen in movies or on TV. However, when Grandpa shows up in Martin's neighborhood, Martk; is embarrassed. He says, "I wanted to sink right through the pavement." When Martin won't look up at Grandpa, he shows that he is ashamed of his great-grandfather. How Martin feels about the medicine bag also shows his shame. His great-grandfather wants to give the bag to Martin, but Vtartin doesn't want it. He nearly blurts out "I could never wear such a thing." Nor does Martin want his friends to meet Grandpa. His friends repeatedly ask to come for a visit, but Martin is afraid they ill laugh when they see that Grandpa isn't the brave Indian from vlartin's stories. One day, however, Martin's friends follow Martin home myway. Grandpa puts on his best beaded vest and moccasins. When vlartin realizes that his friends are impressed with his Teat-grandfather, Martin is ashamed of himself. Martin begins to nderstand that Grandpa is a great man even though he doesn't look page 1 Copyright ©2009 Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.