Body Biography Template Review Guide
Body biography template: The reason somebody would write something as perceptive and inside of words as artistic work was because they understood the text, internalized their character, and gave us an innovative portrait….
Quotes are carefully selected and properly referenced. The original text is interesting and informative. In every detail, knowledge becomes clearly visible that goes beyond summaries or online abbreviations.
Body biography: • All body biography essentials are in this play (summarize the main events of the play, visual cues as elements of the Sign Code, original text, five defining quotes from the play)
•Is an accurate portrayal of the character (based on evidence from the play)
• Creatively presents character traits and actions
A-B Body Biography Template
• Meets the 4 benchmarks for a body bio
• A true representation of character
• A character portray emotions and actions, just not very innovative.
Body: A-C Sub-Example (3 body requirements met):
• False/insufficient/ superficial representation of the character —NO CHARACTER traits or actions are any more than diddily squat creatively.
It almost looks like rapid-fire strings were assembled onto a disorganized and half-thought out page.
• Not exploring ideas or topics outside the scope of the text. •
A D/F body biography template:
• Contains fewer than 3 body biography requirements
• Does not represent the character outside of SparkNotes or other sources
• Character traits and actions are clichéd
• Does not demonstrate knowledge of the text
• Cannot explain or answer questions about your body biography during your presentation
Body Biography Template
Each group should do this once. Choose colors, images, and designs carefully. Place the following: Heart: What represents the person’s heart and where should it be placed to show what the person loves most?
What should it look like and what shape, color, images, or symbols should it contain?
Eyes: What is this person looking at? .
Backbone: What motivates this person has the most? What gives them strength?
Hands: Literally and figuratively what is that person holding in their hand?
Feet: What foundation does this person stand on? What are their core beliefs?
Quotes: Quotes from or about this person that you consider representative of them.
Virtues and vices: Admirable and detestable qualities of this person.
For example, a formula poem, a paragraph, etc.
The Body Biography Template
The Body Biography template For your chosen character, your group will create a body biography – a visual and written portrait that illustrates various aspects of the character’s life in the literary work.
Start, of course, by drawing the outlines of the body. I have listed a few options for your body biography template, but feel free to create your own.
As always, your decisions should be based on the text, as you will be explaining (and thus, in a way, defending) them orally. Above all, your decisions must be creative, analytical and precise.
After you have completed this portrait, you will participate in a “performance” where you present your “masterpiece” to the class. This “performance” should accomplish the following goals:
• Give us an assessment of the literary work in which your character appears
• Convey the overall essence of your character by highlighting the qualities that make the character unique
• Stimulate discussion about your character Requirements for a Biography While I expect additional dimensions from your biography, your portrait should include the following:
• An overview of the events in the work (don’t pull all the references from one part of the work)
• Visual symbols • An original text
• The five most important quotes (whether exposition or dialogue) that relate to your character (be sure to properly attribute and annotate them)
Suggestions for a Biography Placement –
Choose the placement of your text and illustrations carefully. For example, the area where your character’s heart is located may be appropriate to illustrate the important relationships in his/her life.
The hands may refer to the character’s actions or achievements. The spine – Actors often talk about a character’s “backbone.” This is his/her goal at work. What is your character’s main goal?
What drives his/her thinking and actions? The answers to these questions form his/her “backbone.” How can this be illustrated? Virtues and Vices – What are the most admirable qualities of your character?
His/her worst? How can you visualize them? Color – Colors are often symbolic. Which color(s) do you most associate with your character? Why? How can you effectively integrate these colors into your presentation?
Symbols – What objects can you associate with your character that illustrate their essence? Does the text actually mention objects that you could use? If not, choose objects that seem to fit the character specifically.
Formula Poems – These are quick but effective “recipes” for writing a text, as they are intended to reveal a lot about a character. (See suggestions below).
Mirror, Mirror – Think about what your character looks like on the outside as well as what you know about their inside. Do these images contradict each other or do they fit together? What does this say about the character?
How can this mirror image be represented? Changes – How has your character changed over the course of the work? Track these changes in your text and/or images.
I am (as if the character is speaking)* 1st verse I am (two special characteristics of the character). . I hear (an imaginary sound). I see (an imaginary face). I want (an actual desire).
Verse 2: I pretend (the character pretends to do something). I feel (a feeling about something imaginary). I touch (an imaginary touch).
Verse 3: I understand (something the character knows to be true). I say (something the character believes). I dream (something the character dreams about). I try (something the character is really trying to do).
I hope (something the character hopes for). Name poem (or acrostic): Write the letters of the character’s first and last name in a column.
Write a poem that describes the character using words that begin with the letters of the name (and, if you want, the name itself).
“Where I Come From” (sample poem by George Ella Lyon):
Focus on how your character would write this poem. Cinquain, Diamante, Tanka, two-part poem, personal poem, even haiku (if multiple places are referenced) …
http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/handouts/formulapoems.html **Examples of all types are available in the lesson. Variations are welcome as long as they are relevant to the character
Excellent Adequate Satisfactory Poor Score CONTENT
• Creative description/portrayal of characters
• Shows a deep understanding of the characters 10–9 points
• Accurate description/portrayal of characters
• Shows a satisfactory understanding of the characters 8–6 points
• Accurate description/portrayal of characters
• Shows some understanding of the characters 5–3 points
• Accurate description/portrayal of characters
• Shows limited understanding of the characters 2–1 points STRUCTURE
• Maintains a clear and distinct focus throughout the text
• Constructs powerful and effective paragraphs 10–9 points
• Maintains a clear and distinct focus throughout most of the text
• Constructs powerful and effective paragraphs 8–6 points
• The focus of the text is often unclear
• Some paragraphs lack structure 5–3 points
• The focus of the text is unclear
• Most paragraphs lack structure 2–1 points STYLE
• Actively engages the audience
• Uses extensively extent accurate word choice, sensory details and active form 5 points sensory details and active form 4 points
• Sometimes engages the audience
• Uses accurate word choice, Sensory details and active form 3 points
• Rarely engages the audience
• Rarely uses accurate word choice, sensory details and active form 2 – 1 point CONVENTIONS
• No errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation or sentence structure 5 points
• Few errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation or sentence structure 4 points
• Many errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation and sentence structure 3 points
• Many errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation and sentence structure 2 – 1 point Category Biography Group members _________________________ ________________________ Title of work ______________________________ ________________________ Character ____________________________ 20 15 10 5 Order The project is neat, well-organized and easy to read The project is reasonably neat, the organization is sufficient and it is easy to read The project is not neat, or the handwriting is sloppy or small.
The project is neither neat, organized nor clearly written. Teamwork. All team members work well and efficiently. No one has ever deviated from their task. Team members work efficiently.
Sometimes a team member was not up to the task. Team members sometimes worked well, sometimes not. Team members did not work efficiently. Original text.
Each member wrote a thoughtful and grammatically correct poem, letter or response to or about the character. Each member wrote an original piece, but one or more lacked quality.
One or more members did not write an original piece. The original text was missing completely or did not follow the instructions. Visual.
Both the body text and the symbolic images were well-designed, colorful and enriched the meaning of the literary work and the chosen character.
The running text and the symbolic images were reasonably complete, colorful and enriched the meaning of the literary work and the chosen character.
The body text or symbolic images were either incomplete, lacked color, or made no sense in relation to the literary work and/or the chosen character. The images generally did not meet the requirements.
Passages/Quotes. The poster contained 5 key quotes or passages. The poster contained four key quotes or passages. There were three key quotes or passages on the poster.
Consideration of the time period. The character’s body, clothing, and symbolic images demonstrate an understanding of the literary work. The character’s body, clothing, and symbolism are appropriate for the literary work.
You can choose from Scout, Jem, Dill, Atticus, Boo Radley, Miss Maudie, or Calpurnia. Then write three paragraphs about this character. The information from the paragraphs is then inserted into a text template.
Part I – Writing, Paragraph 1 – Visual Symbols – Create at least three symbols that represent important personality traits or things in this person’s life.
For example, you can use a light bulb to show that the character has good ideas. Each symbol from the paragraph is placed in a significant place on the drawing.
For example, you can draw an object that is dear to the character if it symbolizes something they love or feel. around the head, because it symbolizes what a character is thinking; on the hands, because it symbolizes his/her work; etc.
The paragraph should identify each symbol, explain what it represents, where you want to place it on the body biography template, and why you chose that placement. .
Paragraph 2 – Quotes – Choose at least three quotes from the novel that reveal personality traits of your character. These don’t necessarily have to be things the character actually says, but can also be parts of the story or what another character says about them.
These quotes will also be placed in a prominent place in the text template, such as symbols from paragraph 1.
In your paragraph, you will write the exact sentence(s) from the book, explain what each quote says about the character’s personality, and explain where and why you placed the quote on the drawing.
Section 3 – Symbolic Colors – Add hair, clothing, a face, and any other decorations that you think fit the character on the body template. The colors you choose for these decorations should symbolize the character’s personality.
Use the color symbolism chart to choose the best colors for your character. Use at least three colors. In your paragraph, describe the colors you will use and how those colors fit your character’s personality.
Part II – Visual Presentation Draw and write the information from your three paragraphs – three symbols, three quotes, and symbolic colors – on the provided text template.
Remember to place symbols and quotes in important places, as indicated in your paragraphs.
Section Main Body Biography Section Main Body Biography Student’s name _________________________ Grade ___________ Excellent Satisfactory Satisfactory Poor Score Content (RL1 & RL2) – Describes/portrays the character creatively – Shows deep understanding of the character 10 – 9 points – Describes/portrays the character correctly – Shows sufficient understanding of the character 8 – 6 points –
Describes/portrays the character correctly – Shows some understanding of the character 5 – 3 points – Describes/portrays the character correctly – Shows limited understanding of the character 2 – 1 point Organization – Maintains a clear and distinct focus throughout the text – Builds strong and effective paragraphs 10 – 9 points – Maintains a clear and distinct focus throughout the text – Builds strong and effective paragraphs 8 – 6 points – The focus of the writing is often unclear – Some paragraphs lack structure 5 – 3 points – The focus of the writing is unclear – Most paragraphs lack structure 2 – 1 point Style (W1 & W2) – Actively engages the audience –
Uses precise word choice, sensory details and active language extensively 5 points – Often engages the audience – Uses precise word choice, sensory details and active language effectively 4 points – Sometimes involves the audience – Uses precise word choice, sensory details and active form 3 points – Rarely involves the audience – Rarely uses precise word choice, sensory details and active form 2 – 1 point Conventions (C1) – No errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation or sentence structure 5 points – Few errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation or sentence structure 3 points – – 1 point TKAM Body Biography Example Vera from
“The Open Window” Paragraph 1 I have chosen a light bulb, a clock and a heart as Vera’s symbols. The light bulb represents their creative imagination.
In “The Open Window” Vera makes up two very detailed and elaborate stories about Mr. Sappleton and the disappearance of the two brothers.
I placed the light bulb next to her head because these ideas arise in her head. I chose the clock because Vera is capable of making up such wild lies in an instant.
She can come up with a believable story in no time, as “short-lived romances were her specialty.” The clock ticks in her head while her brain is working too hard to come up with these lies, and the lies come out of her mouth quickly and without hesitation.
In the end, I decided to draw a big heart around her body because Vera is self-centered. Generally, she only cares about herself and doesn’t mind hurting others.
Paragraph 2: Three quotes from “The Open Window” describe Vera’s personality perfectly. . This quote is an example of direct characterization that reveals important information about her. We know that she doesn’t care about other people’s feelings.
I placed the quote next to her heart because she loves herself and is callous towards others. She is curious and quickly gathers information from people that she can use in her stories.
She asks Mr. Nuttle about his knowledge of the family so that she can build her story. Since he knows nothing about her, she can tell the story of the tragedy.
This quote stays with her because she asks the question to formulate her story. This information lets the reader know that Vera made up both stories because she likes to lie.
I wrote the quote around her head because she made up these stories in her own head. All three quotes help the reader understand what a self-centered, deceitful girl Vera really is.
Paragraph 3: I used different colors to symbolize Vera’s personality. Yellow is the dominant color in her dress because it symbolizes imagination, dishonesty, betrayal, and deceit.
Vera definitely has the imagination to come up with so many creative stories. She displays dishonesty, betrayal, and deceit when she meets Mr. Nuttle, who tells her a tragic story. The dress is edged with orange, which symbolizes a desire for attention.
Vera is described as “self-absorbed,” so she is obviously telling the stories to draw attention to herself. Her hair is black, which symbolizes evil. Her blue eyes symbolize the coldness she shows towards others by lying to them.
Each color on the stencil reveals a different aspect of Vera’s egocentric personality. Instructions for the biography “The Scarlet Letter”: 1. Choose a character from the book (Hester Prynne, Pearl, Reverend Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth).
1. Find 10 quotes from or about your character. These quotes should provide insight into the character or in some way reflect your character’s personality.
The quotes can come directly from your character or from statements made about them by other characters. . List at least three physical characteristics of your character: height, hair color, eye color, clothing style, body size and shape, etc.
The more you can find, the better.
3. Choose 3 objects that symbolize your character or your character’s life. Example: For Hester, you could choose the beautiful clothes she wore, her elongated “A,” both of which symbolize how she stands out from the rest of Puritan society, or the scaffold, which symbolizes her shame.
4. Sketch a human body that represents your character. Fill in the text with quotes and symbols, making sure the text includes the physical characteristics you listed in step 2.
5. Use markers, crayons, crayons, or newspaper clippings to fill in your biography in color. Make sure it is neat and legible.
*Suggestions/Things to Consider:
• Choose the placement of your text and graphics carefully. For example, the location of your character’s heart can be a good place to illustrate the important relationships in his/her life. The hands can refer to the character’s actions or achievements. The “backbone” can include the character’s purpose, beliefs, or goals.
• Colors are often symbolic. Use these colors in your illustrations.
• Think about how your character appears to others on the surface and what you know about the character’s inner life. Are these images a curse or a coincidence? How can this “mirror image” be illustrated?
• How did your character change over the course of the play? Trace these changes in your text and/or images.
The Scarlet Letter – Body Biography – Character: __________________________________________________ –
Group Members: __________________________________,________________________________,____________________ – QUOTES: 10 relevant quotes that provide insight into the character; Page number for each quote 40 PHYSICAL FEATURES: 3 corresponding illustrated or depicted features 15 SYMBOLIC OBJECTS: 3 corresponding symbolic objects 15 PLACEMENT: appropriate and creative placement of each object or text 20 VISUAL ATTRACTION: creativity; use of color; Cleanliness 10 “EXTRA”: any additional elements added to enhance your character’s biography +1-5 TOTAL 100 The Scarlet Letter Body Biography Character: ___________________________________________________ Party Members: _________________________________, ________________________________, ________________________________ QUOTES: 10 appropriate quotes that provide insight into the character; Page number for each quote 40 PHYSICAL FEATURES: 3 appropriate illustrated or depicted features 15 SYMBOLIC OBJECTS: 3 appropriate symbolic elements 15 PLACEMENT: appropriate and creative placement of each element or text 20 VISUAL ATTRACTION: creativity; Use of color; Cleanliness 10 “EXTRA”: any additional elements added to enhance your character’s body biography template +1-5 TOTAL 100
