Homework for Monday, October 29

Due Monday, October 29

1. Make a list of ten opening lines (the very first sentence) from ten different novels or short stories. Just find ten that you think are good opening lines. Be sure to include the opening line itself, as well as the author and title of the work. Be prepared to discuss why you think it's a good opening line. You can just use books you have around the house. You can also look at Amazon, which lets you preview the first few pages of most books.

2. a. For this exercise you're going to flesh out a character and then write about them. You don't have to do the main character in your story, but it would certainly be a good starting point. Fill out the following about your character:

Character's Name:
Character's Nickname:
Sex:
Age:
Looks:
Education:
Occupation/Vocation:
Status and money:
Marital status:
Family, ethnicity:
Diction, accent:
Relationships:
Places (home, office, car, etc.):
Possessions:
Hobbies:
Obsessions:
Beliefs:
Politics:
Sexual history:
Ambitions:
Religion:
Superstitions:
Fears:
Attitudes:
Character flaws:
Characters strengths:
Pets:
Taste in books, movies, etc.:
Food preferences:
Handwriting:
Astrological sign:
Talents:
Friends:
Relatives:
Enemies:
As seen by others:
As seen by self:
Scars:
Tattoos/piercings:
Salary:

A few words or sentences will be fine for each category.

b. After you have your character fleshed out, put him/her in a scenario that gives the reader a clear indication of what kind of person he/she is. If your character is very nervous you could have them going to the mall to make a purchase, but they are overwhelmed by anxiety and have to turn around. Think about where they are in the scene (setting), what they think, what they do, what they look like, etc. and how these things define them. Make it one page, double-spaced.

On Monday you will turn in:
1. List of 10 opening lines
2. The list above (filled out)
3. A one-page scenario that expresses to the reader who the character is

*There will be no class on Halloween.
*The analysis questions for A Taste of Gianni Mascarpone are due on Monday, November 5th.