Smoke Signals Character Analysis Essay
Objective: Students will write a well-developed character analysis on either of the main
characters from the movie and story.
Materials:
Short story “What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” by Sherman Alexie
Story questions handout
Smoke Signals movie
Hero’s journey background
Assignment requirement handout
Lines from the film handout
Time:
6-7 class periods, including time to watch movie
Procedures:
1. Read story outside of class and answer questions.
2. Discuss story in class, especially looking closely at the two main characters.
3. Watch the film together as a class. The film can be stopped to discuss important
scenes which show the characters’ development, traits, personalities, etc.
4. After the movie, discuss the hero’s journey and relate it to the character of Victor.
5. Discuss the character Thomas Builds a Fire, especially noting his coping skills,
his “inner eye”, his last name, and his being a complete contrast to Victor.
6. Discuss the overall structure of the character analysis essay.