Character: ____________________________

Names: ________________ _________________ ________________ ______________

To Kill a Mockingbird--Character Project Rubric

INDIVIDUAL GRADE- ONLY ONE PART

Part One: Character Chart
3 examples in all 4 columns _____/24
Quality and variety of info _____/24
Uses proper MLA format _____/20
Typed, Nice _____/12
Total: _____/80

Part Two: Character Portrait

Creative, original idea _____/20
Meaningful choice of media _____/20
Obvious effort put forth _____/20
Thorough, well-written explanation _____/20 (one paragraph minimum)
Total: _____/80

Part Three: Character Confession

Final draft is typed, neat
Thorough, displays understanding
Creative, shows empathetic thought
Length, effort
Total:
_____/20
_____/20 (Interview: at least 5 in-depth questions)
_____/20 (Get inside the character’s head)
_____/20 (Journal is 1+ pg., standard style, Interview is 2-3
_____/80 min. of presentation)

Part Four: Character Collage

Complete: 5+ entries each “side”
Neat: everything is attached nicely
Creative, original
Written Explanation
Total:
_____/20 (7 CANNOT be WordArt, ClipArt, etc.)
_____/20 (No glue spots, tears, etc.)
_____/20 (Choices show thought, abstract thinking)
_____/20 (Include this IN or ON your bag)
_____/80

GROUP GRADE
Part Five: Character Presentation
Length: 8-10 minutes _____/3
Every member speaks equally _____/5
Entertaining and organized _____/2
Info is conveyed _____/5
Rubric included, project is neat _____/2 (Entries are attached and together)
Delivery: No mumbling, etc. _____/3
Total: _____/20

PROJECT TOTAL: _____/100

 To Kill a Mockingbird: Character Investigation

We all know there is more to people than meets the eye. In a skillfully crafted book, this is also
the case with characters. To truly understand certain plotlines, we need to know our characters’
personalities, motives, and typical responses in their setting. You are assigned the task of
thoroughly investigating one character.

There are many different tasks to this, so take your time. You have a while to do this project, so
your character will probably evolve as you read. For now, work on what you know and are
starting to discover. As your reading progresses, your project should develop as well.

Each part is worth 20 points. See the rubric for detailed requirements.

Part One: Character Chart

You will need to find good, cited examples from the book to give an overview of the character.
Think about your information on characters- there are many clues an author gives about a
character.

Create a chart like this. Give at least three entries for each column.

What the character What a character does What a character says What other characters
looks like say about him/her
We know that Scout “He waited until he “‘I missed you today,’
wears overalls (pg. was sure she was she said. ‘The house
81) crying, then he got so lonesome ‘long ** If these examples
shuffled out of the about two o’clock I don’t help, see me.**
building” (pg. 28) had to turn on the
radio.’” (pg. 29)

Part Two: Character Portrait

This section can be a fun and creative way to portray your character, but make sure you put time
into this and fulfill all of the requirements. First, somehow create an artistic representation of
your character. Make sure the media and “mood” of the piece somehow reflects the character. At
least one paragraph must be attached to this piece, explaining the significance and intentions
behind the work. This section is worth 20 points. See the rubric for detailed requirements.
Part Three: Character Confession

You have a choice for this.

1) You may decide to type a one-page (double spaced, 12 pt. TNR) journal entry. This can be at
any point of the reading by the time you present. Use poetic license; be creative and get inside
the head of the character—even if you’re not sure it’s “perfectly true”.

2) You may decide to write out an interview. A TV reporter, talk show host, or newspaper
reporter is interviewing your character. After preliminary introductions, you must ask your
character at LEAST three thorough, thought-provoking questions. When presented, this
interview should last no more than three minutes.

Part Four: Character Collage

You will use a paper bag to “create” your character. There should be at least five artifacts on the
outside of your bag which are things other characters readily see or know about him/her. (What
we learned about the character in the first chapters). There should also be at least five artifacts on
the inside of your bag which are things that not many characters know about him/her (what we
have learned about this character’s personality since the first chapters). Only three “words” or
clipart graphics are allowed unless you go above the 10 object minimum.

You must also include a written explanation of why you included each object/picture. See me if
you still have questions.

Part Five: Character Presentation

Your group will need to organize and prepare an effective and entertaining way to portray your
investigative reports. Every member must speak during your 8-10 minute presentation. Since we
will spend more than an hour over the course of a week presenting these, be sure that these
reports are both informational and interesting.