Body Biography & Rationale Assignment
Directions:
Each of the following characters has a unique role in the development of the major conflicts,
the fear and hysteria, and the key themes that take place in The Crucible. Your task is to randomly
select one character and create his/her visual body biography. Use the poster board to create your
biography. Your drawing should be a group effort and should demonstrate a deep understanding of
the character’s personality, motivations, thoughts, conflicts (man vs. man/self/ nature/world), and
relationships (to others, to the central conflicts, to the themes), etc.
The written rationale (at least 1-2 pages double spaced) explains your group’s decisions for
including particular aspects of the character and/or drama in your biography. You must produce a
developed and focused rationale (that is, use SPECIFIC evidence from the drama or class discussions
to support your choices)
The Major Characters:
Abigail
John Proctor
Elizabeth Proctor
Reverend Hale
Reverend Parris
Mary Warren
Thomas Putnam
Steps:
1. Brainstorm ideas concerning your character. Consider:
- What are the most prominent features/characteristics?
- What quotes from the drama best summarize your character? Or demonstrate
the true personality of the character?
- Find images/symbols associated with the character (either from the drama or
ones that you have created)
- How does the character relate to the major conflicts and themes that we’ve discussed?
2. Select the 3 best symbols to represent your character.
3. Incorporate the symbols into your drawing and explain why your group selected these symbols in
your rationale.
4. Select the 3 best quotes from the drama to represent your character.
5. Incorporate the quotes into your drawing and explain why your group selected these quotes in
your rationale.
6. Include additional elements necessary for the class to understand the character’s visual biography.
7. Be prepared to share your body biography and rationale with the class. (5 minute presentation)
Some additional ideas to consider:
What does the character think?
What does the character see?
(Important events)
What does the character hear?
(Important statements)
What does the character feel?
What is (truly) in the
character’s heart?
What are the character’s strengths?
What are the character’s actions?
With whom does the character relate?
What are the character’s weaknesses?
(Achilles heel)
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Grading RUBRIC:
55 points total
Group Members’ Names:______________________________________________________
Content of Body
Biography
(20 points)
Written Rationale
Artistic Effort
(20 points)
(5 points)
Demonstrates deep
understanding of
character’s
personality and
actions
Shows unique
insight into
character’s state of
mind & inner/outer
motivations
Identifies
character’s role in
key conflicts
Highlights how the
character relates to
the central theme of
the story
Overall:
completeness of
character analysis
Sufficient
explanation
given as to why
choices were
made
Addresses 3
symbols
Addresses 3
quotes
Points are
awarded based
on EFFORT.
You need to
move beyond
stick figures
here, folks!
Uses sufficient/
specific evidence
to support
explanations
Total Points:
Comments:
Group
Presentation
(10 points)