Reformation Interviews
It is the year (pick one between 1517-1563). The Protestant Reformation has just started/is well
under way/ has reached its height/ is being challenged by the Catholic Counterreformation/ has settled
into normal existence. You, an intrepid investigative reporter, want to get the real scoop on what
happened. So you do what any good reporter (or historian) would: you go to the sources. Here are the
people available to interview:
Proper Names
Martin Luther
John Calvin
Pope Leo X
Ulrich Zwingli
Charles V
Tetzel
Anonymous
German peasant-male
German peasant- female
German prince
German noble woman
Country priest
Businessman/merchant
Wife of any of the above
Your assignment entails FOUR parts:
1) CHARACTER PREPARATION (homework)
Prepare a ½ page character sketch for 5 of the people listed above.
 You may only use 2 proper names
 When creating the character sketch for the “proper names,” you must
remain true to their historical characteristics.
 For the remaining ‘anonymous’ people, be creative!
 Be true to the character, but you are creating their character! Consider their
religion, passion, economic status, biases, and beliefs.
2) INTERVIEW PREPARATION (homework)
Prepare at least 3 potential interview questions for 10 of the 13 characters.
 Questions should probe their thoughts and emotions
 DON’T just repeat same question or series of questions
3) THE INTERVIEWS (September 23rd)
In class, half the class will be interviewers and the other half will play the characters. You will
have 15-20 minutes to interview 3 people/characters. We will then switch roles.
 Remember: You must first find out who, when, and where they are!
 While interviewing, keep track of who was the best interview!
 While being interviewed, keep track of who was the best interviewer!
 Who was the most accurate, prepared, and creative??
 We’ll vote at the end for extra credit
At the end of class, I’m collecting your Character Prep and Interview Questions
4) EVALUATION (FREQUENTLY FORGOTTEN!!)
For homework(you may get class time to start), answer the following questions: How did this
activity enhance your understanding of the Reformation? What did you learn that surprised you?
How does playing a historical character help the study of history? What are its limitations?
5) EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Because this can only be as much fun as you make it,
students dressing up in character(s) will be awarded extra credit. Clothes, props, and whatnot included.
ALSO, time permitting, there will be a ‘press conference’ for those willing to go up and face the
press corps and all their questions.