Viewpoint Character (VPC) Narrative Writing

Getting into the head of the antagonist!

1. Reread Chapter 53 (pp. 339 - 345) of THE SCORPIO RACES.

2. This chapter centers on three men, Sean Kendrick, Mutt Malvern, and Benjamin
Malvern (Sean's boss and Mutt’s father) . As we know from our reading, Mutt (or
Matthew) Malvern is Sean's his arch enemy, his nemesis. A nemesis is a person who
actively works toward another person's downfall. I want you to practice thinking like an
antagonist, thinking like Mutt Malvern.

3. Now rewrite this chapter from Mutt's perspective, from his point of view.

4. Pay extra close attention to Mutt's actions and tone; infer the intensity of Sean's and
Mutt's mutual disdain (hatred) for each other.

5. Think like Mutt; be angry, jealous, greedy to win, desperate to prove yourself, and write
this chapter ​(from p. 342 - 345)​​ as if he were recalling the events in it.

6. Use all that you have learned about figurative language, sensory language, descriptive
details, precise words, and dialogue as you write.

7. Use Google Docs to write. Your chapter should be no fewer than a full page (typed, 12
font).

8. Use the scoring criteria on the next page to make sure you have included all of the
elements of a well written narrative.
SCORING CRITERIA:
● I begin where where Mutt and Sean meet near Corr’s stall on p.342. (Use your book or
the images of the pages from this chapter on the pages that follow).

● I include all of the characters in this chapter, my father, Sean, George Holly, and Corr.

● I refer to all the same events, horses, objects, as the characters do in the original
chapter.

● I write from Mutt's perspective. I am seeing this scene through his eyes, so my TONE
sounds like Mutt's tone. (NOTE: Use Tone Words from the list below if it helps.)

● I use dialogue, but I remember exchanges between characters differently because I am

Mutt. Use the link below to help you write and punctuate dialogue correctly.
Say What? Rules for Writing Dialogue

● My chapter has the following elements:

○ Descriptive details (at least 3 examples)

■ _______________________________
■ _______________________________
 ■ _______________________________
○ Sensory language (at least three examples)
■ ______________________________
■ ______________________________
■ ______________________________

○ Figurative language (at least 2 examples)

■ _____________________________
■ _____________________________

○ Precise words (at least 2)

■ _____________________________
■ _____________________________

○ At least three exchanges (back and forth conversations) among characters,

written as new dialogue.