They should use the accents and mannerisms of the characters. Working in groups, students choose a song in which the lyrics are related to a specific novel. In a presentation, they play or distribute the lyrics and explain the connection. Developing a talk show invitation reveals character understanding. In the form of a letter or letters from the producer to the character, students explain why they want this character on the show, who else might appear, and what issues they will discuss.
Students create a childhood for a primary character.
To encourage students to read and response to literature, incorporate an active dialogue via e-mail with education majors at a local university. Make answering machine messages for each character in a novel. The Night, a holocaust remembrance novel, students write poetry from the victims' points of view. Victims include a 6 year old child, a rabbi of 40, a pregnant young mother, etc. Parodies demonstrate insights into literature.