Comparing Yourself

What are Your Character Traits?

For this project you will be writing a Dear Mr. McGuire letter. The topic of the letter is "How would the book be different if I was the main character?" The letter should have an opening paragraph that states basic information like the title and the main character's name. It also should connect with the reader.

For the second paragraph, start with the main character and build from there. Tell about the main character in the book you are reading. Describe him/her. What makes him like he is? How does he act? Think? Respond? Feel?

The next paragraph should be a compare/contrast between you and the main character. You might tell how you are alike or how you are different. You need at least one example to make your point clear.

One of the main keys to doing well on this project comes next. This paragraph needs to describe in detail how the book would be different if you were the main character. Specific details of differences will strengthen your letter.

Please use details to support your writing. For example, if you state that the main character is brave, you should have a detailed scene from the book that proves your claim.

Whatever you do, DO NOT RETELL THE STORY! This assignment is to write a letter to me about how the main character compares to you and how the book would be different if you were the main character. If you summarize or retell the book, you are not following the directions! The best essays will be written by a writer than gets inside the book and the character.