Character Evolution timeline
The Character Evolution Timeline requires readers to review the sequence of events that occur and in a text, and plot them out graphically. This project is similar to a Storyboard, but instead it only focuses on one character, and the emotions that the character is experiencing. The goal is to focus on one character and chart their changing emotions throughout the novel. Readers must select 1) A facial expression to display the character's emotion during a key event, 2) A direct quote that illustrates why or how the character experiences this emotion, and 3) A symbol to characterize this emotion. The reader may also include an interpretation of the impact the event had on the character in his or her own words.
Writing: Who would you be for a day?
A wakes up in a new body everyday, and everyday he experiences different lifestyles. Although the choice of who A wakes up in, is out of his control, you are completely in control. Select a body to wake up in, and live in for a day. This can be a friend, relative, celebrity, politician, public figure, athlete, author, etc. Write a short essay (300-500 words) using the following questions as a guide: Why did you select that particular person? Would you try to live their life as they normally do? Would you try to change something about their life or choices they have made? Would you access their past thoughts and private memories? What activities would you engage in as this person? Would you have a positive or negative impact on their life after you left their body? What would you want them to remember?
Remember, you are only in this body for a day, so every choice counts!
Remember, you are only in this body for a day, so every choice counts!
make a podcast: what would you say if you were A?
After encountering Nathan, A discovers he wants to know everything about him and an explanation. At the same time, A needs to find a way to express to Rhiannon who he is and show her what he is. Finally, A then has to explain to Rhiannon that he is leaving her and hoping she and the boy who's body he is in will make her happy. Make a podcast a minimum of 3 minutes long and no more than 8 minutes long, giving either Nathan, Rhiannon or both, your take on A's leaving or explanation of what he did. Be creative, act and talk as you believe A would talk. Use the following questions as a guide: How much information should A tell them? Would A give them both the same kinds of details? What details would A tell Rhiannon but not Nathan? Would it be best for A to tell Rhiannon and Nathan who he is at the same time or separate? Remember, A was hesitant about telling Nathan but willing to tell Rhiannon, this is your version of the story. Do not say what A says in the book. Create your own version of A's reasoning.
"Newspaper, get your newspaper here!" : Become the Journalist, Write an article about Nathan believing in demonic possession.
Using an actual newspaper as a model, such as, "The New York Times," "The Rolling Stone," or "The Chicago Tribune," write a newspaper article about Nathan's waking up and believing A is the devil. Provide at least four quotes, one being from Nathan to support your story. This should follow the actual story from the book. In the article, you need to have at least one source of demonic possession history and you need to explain to the reader what demonic possession is. This article should be at least 350 words and no more than 430 words. Remember to be creative, and provide a unique, original title. The article A pulls up is on page 84 and states; "THE DEVIL MADE HIM DO IT: Local boy, pulled over by police, claims demonic possession". By any means, this should NOT be your title, you are expected to come up with your own. Remember you are a newspaper journalist, you can create your own newspaper company or state you work for. Be sure to include your works cited! Happy writing!
The people versus 'A': the case of the traveling spirit
Throughout the novel, A interferes in every life he touches, even when he is expressly trying not to. Pretend you are the judge in the hearing for "The People vs. A", where all the characters A has inhabited charge him with harassment and neglect (or any other charge you can think of). What would your judgment be, and why? Make sure to reference specific acts from the book in your decision. If A is found guilty, devise a fitting sentence. If A gets jail time, how would you guarantee he can't escape? Use your imagination and the book to set the record straight!
100 Days later: a creative extrapolation on a minor character
In Every Day, we are presented with a veritable deluge of minor characters as A lives his novel existence. In this project, pick a character who grabbed your attention and write about their experience 100 days after A inhabited them. How has A's actions affected their lives? Do they have memories of the experience? If so, how do they justify those memories? This should be written as a first-person narrative from the view of the character and should be a minimum of two double-spaced pages.
INterview A character from every day
Most writers before they create their characters, they perform a mock interview with his or her characters to fully comprehend the complexity of each specific person. This is one of the most efficient ways to get to know someone, by asking them questions. The more you know about a character the richer and clearer he or she will come across. For this assignment, pick a character from Every Day- this character can be a major or minor. Prepare 20 interview questions for that character. As the reader imagine, if you were that character in the novel and answer the questions you created. This is your chance to become A, embody that character and imagine how they would respond.
Scrapbook or Memory box project
Throughout our lives, we save many intimate photos that hold much meaning. Have you been nostalgic and looked at old photos and asked, "Who is that?" or "Where was this photo taken?" For this assignment, create a scrapbook or memory box. Choose a character or a particular theme/issue in the book and put together a scrapbook or memory box of special memories. Be true to that character or theme/issue.
Some projects were adapted from 91 Ways to Respond to Literature