Lab: Period 3
Before our masterclass with Reyna Grande, you were asked to write a description of a fantasy setting and create a character sketch of a potential hero character you might use. Both exercises are meant as pre-writing/brainstorming exercises for your upcoming fantasy story draft.
If you did not complete both the setting description and the character sketch, please spend part of period 3 doing that now. You are late, so any work you do not complete from today's lesson, please complete as homework. See below for details.
Additionally, we have been discussing the Archetypal hero journey. If you have forgotten what this is, please refresh your memory as we will be discussing it in further detail as we read our next book.
Spotlight on Heroic or High Fantasy Fiction:
Before our masterclass with Reyna Grande, you were asked to write a description of a fantasy setting and create a character sketch of a potential hero character you might use. Both exercises are meant as pre-writing/brainstorming exercises for your upcoming fantasy story draft.
If you did not complete both the setting description and the character sketch, please spend part of period 3 doing that now. You are late, so any work you do not complete from today's lesson, please complete as homework. See below for details.
Additionally, we have been discussing the Archetypal hero journey. If you have forgotten what this is, please refresh your memory as we will be discussing it in further detail as we read our next book.
Spotlight on Heroic or High Fantasy Fiction:
- What makes a hero (short video)
- This subgenre of fantasy is devoted to heroes. A hero is a character who possesses a strength, skill, or talent that ordinary people lack. A hero is often tested by facing adversity or problems--most life-threatening--so that he/she can prove his/her worth, strength, or talent as a hero.
- All heroes in stories act as role models for us (see the: benefits of reading video above). They teach us how to behave, how to be the best that we can be, how to react when faced with adversity.
- The hero will usually "go on an adventure" in this subgenre of heroic fantasy--sometimes for self-gain, sometimes to save others or to test one's heroic quality/talents.
- The hero will usually go through part or all of the following pattern:
- The Hero Archetype's Call to Adventure:
- Status Quo
- Call to adventure
- Assistance
- Departure
- Trials
- Approach
- Crisis
- Treasure
- Result
- Return
- New Life
- Resolution/Status quo
- As we continue this unit, look for how this pattern repeats itself in the stories we read.
- Description and detail helps paint a picture (activates neurons) in our imagination. Take a look at the video and think about how this applies to the writing that we do.
LAB TASK:
If you have completed these tasks: (you described your setting, you wrote a character sketch and viewed/understood the material on the hero archetype), you may proceed to the next task.
Create a map of your fantasy world.
Many fantasy novels include a map for the reader to track a character's progress on a quest. You have defined ONE setting in your vast fantasy world. Many fantasy authors like to draw or sketch a map of their setting, often hinting at difficult terrain or locales, objects of importance, or names of places a character may visit. Today we will do the same.
First, a model. Take a look at:
Then, during period 3, take a 8.5x14 sized sheet of paper and sketch a map of your fantasy setting.
You might need some help. Take a look at these articles/videos for some models and advice about creating your fantasy map:
You might need some help. Take a look at these articles/videos for some models and advice about creating your fantasy map:
- 10 Rules for Making Better Fantasy Maps
- Tricks and Tips for Making Fantasy Maps
- Drawing a fantasy map (video) - 8 min.
- You may also find this site helpful in coming up with names: Fantasy name generator (fantasy place names are located near the bottom of the webpage)
Period 4:
Please go to the library to pick up the fantasy novel The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. When you return, please go to room 238 to continue our class. Please bring your books and journals!
TASK #1: In your journal make a list of some of the fantasy books, short stories, films, or television programs you have seen or are familiar with. You can include anything from television cartoon shows to epic blockbuster films. The idea is to pick some of your favorites. Take only 3 minutes to make your list. We'll add to it soon.
TASK #2: Then: this morning, please join a partner or two and add to your list with some of the ideas from your partner(s). This time, though, please identify some of the tropes and common plot events, characters, items, and settings likely to be found in a fantasy film, story, or novel. You will find this list useful in creating ideas for your own fantasy story next class.
TASK #3: Let's begin reading The Hobbit. As we read, please follow along in your books (this is important to build your vocabulary and understanding of the novel as a writer). First take a look at Tolkien's map. What are some things you notice?
As we read along, please prepare your fantasy bingo sheet.
HOMEWORK: I will be checking your journals next class (Wednesday) for MP3. Also, please complete chapter 1 of the Hobbit if we do not complete it during class. If you did not complete your character sketch, your description, or the Hero's archetype notes, please do so before next class.
TASK #2: Then: this morning, please join a partner or two and add to your list with some of the ideas from your partner(s). This time, though, please identify some of the tropes and common plot events, characters, items, and settings likely to be found in a fantasy film, story, or novel. You will find this list useful in creating ideas for your own fantasy story next class.
TASK #3: Let's begin reading The Hobbit. As we read, please follow along in your books (this is important to build your vocabulary and understanding of the novel as a writer). First take a look at Tolkien's map. What are some things you notice?
As we read along, please prepare your fantasy bingo sheet.
HOMEWORK: I will be checking your journals next class (Wednesday) for MP3. Also, please complete chapter 1 of the Hobbit if we do not complete it during class. If you did not complete your character sketch, your description, or the Hero's archetype notes, please do so before next class.
No comments:
Post a Comment