OBJECTIVE:
Writing a CHARACTER SKETCH on a photograph of a person on piclits.com is a fun way to imagine who the person is and what s/he is like. It is also a great way to practice placing the person in a moment, as suggested by the photograph, in order to convey a character trait..

This will allow you to think creatively about the person in the photo and help viewers see the character in a new way.

Definition of a Character Sketch:
A short paragraph which incorporates description, dialogue (if possible), action, and illustration to underscore a dominant character trait or a series of dominant traits in an individual. (possible character traits: funny, kind, brave, intuitive, smart, determined…)

We will learn how to write intriguing character sketches by using pic-lits.com.

MODEL PIC-LIT:

Notice how the writer placed the boy / brother into a situation to convey the brother’s “lightheatedness” or “easy-going” quality. He makes serious situations seem insignificant in the ling run of things and can me people laugh when one is sad. This leads to the conclusion that the writer would be a different person without her brother’s easy-going attitude. Also, notice the double spacing so viewers can still see the photo.

GUIDED PRACTICE WRITING PROMPT:

1. Go to piclits.com
2. Sign in with your e-mail and password
3. Select a picture from the gallery of pictures
4. In FREESTYLE mode, write a character sketch on a photograph. This paragraph must evoke a dominant character trait in the reader. Try to use an illustrative moment in your description and organize from least important detail to most important.