Hamlet Summative – Write in Role

Hamlet Summative – Write in Role

Using your knowledge and understanding of the text, along with your own inferences and creativity, write a passage from the perspective of a character. You may choose any character except for Hamlet himself.

 

 

 

Format

 

size 12 font, five hundred words max.

 

A monologue, diary entry, or letter.

 

Mandatory context to include: write one to three sentences describing when this passage takes place in the play and which character you are portraying.

 

Make sure you have quotes from the play. MLA in-text citations.

 

Example: a diary entry from Ophelia, “I overheard Hamlet muttering ‘to be or not to be,’ (3.2 64) as he passed by today. I sent a page to inquire about the meaning of these utterances.” As you go through the play with the class, you will find that this is impossible for Ophelia to know. Pay attention to who knows what in the play.

 

Write in standard English. Keep in mind that contractions and “I” are allowed. Avoid slang. Pay attention to how the characters naturally speak in the play for more direction on contractions and pronouns.

 

 

 

What does writing in character involve?

 

Vivid and descriptive writing from the perspective of a character

 

You may include stories and anecdotes

 

Consider the thoughts and feelings of the character

 

 

 

Things to Consider

 

What/who is this passage about?

 

What is your character feeling?

 

Where (setting) is your character?

 

Who (if anyone) is your character addressing?

 

What are the given circumstances?

 

What specific events have happened so far?

 

What events will follow?

 

Where does this passage take place in the play?

 

What specific circumstances are happening right now?

 

What events have affected your character mentally/emotionally/physically?

 

What does your character want?

 

What motivates them?

 

What is their immediate objective or aim?

 

What is the intention of your passage?

 

To reveal a secret?

 

To provide more information about a situation?

 

To further develop a character?

 

To tell a story?

 

This is entirely up to you – you have creative freedom.

 

 

 

How to Get Started

 

In addition to the above considerations, it might be useful to create a biography to help you get into the mindset of your character. Try brainstorming with some of the following prompts:

 

How old is your character?

 

Describe their most significant relationship.

 

Describe their most tumultuous relationship (this could be with themselves or with others)

 

What does their relationship with their family/friends like?

 

What is their current job or status in society?

 

Do they have any children?

 

Do they think positively or negatively about themselves?

 

What motivates them?

 

What are their character flaws? Are they aware of them?

 

What are their strengths?

 

What qualities do they dislike in others?

 

What are their greatest fears?

 

What are their hopes and dreams?

 

Is there something they’ve done that they’re not proud of?

 

What five words would a friend describe them as?

 

What makes them the happiest?