Character Story Lines

Good morning, class! Many of you had voiced your concern with the plot of One Hundred Years of Solitude. Most likely, the problem is that you're entangled in the insignificant details of the story, and not paying attention to the theme of change within the character's lives. In order to get more out of this novel, we're going to do an activity to analyze the story lines of several characters, particularly in relation to the theme of change.

Today in class, you're going to work in groups to construct character plot lines: a diagram / list that displays a series of events that are important to the character you've been given to analyze. Hopefully by breaking the story down through character analysis, you'll be able to see more clearly where the meaning lies within this novel.

After watching me make a plot line, you will then be put into groups to construct your own.

Directions: Part 1: Making your Plot line

1. In your groups, discuss the events in your character's plot line that are significant. A good place to start is to think of their motive or goal.

2. Organize the information into a diagram or list. It is advised that you keep your own record of the plot line in your notebook or journal.


3. After you've finished the list or diagram, take the three most significant events of your character’s storyline. Explain what each represents in the larger scheme of the novel. For example, what are the larger implications of each event in terms of theme, conflict development, character development, etc.


Part 2: Presenting your plot line

1. Choose a scribe to write out your diagram / list on the white board. While the scribe is writing, those in the audience should copy the diagrams from other groups.

2. Choose 2 individuals to introduce each event with some background info. This may help clarify issues of understanding what's happening in the story.

3. Choose 1 or 2 individuals to explain item 3 from Part 1.


HW: Please finish reading Chapter 4. Be prepared for a quiz on Friday.